Surprising details about the deal
Saudi Arabia is buying into the 2026 World Cup region
The next World Cup will take place in 2026 in the USA, Mexico and Canada. The responsible continental association CONCACAF is already making a new, lucrative deal clear. Saudi Arabia is investing several million US dollars through its sovereign wealth fund.
Less than two years before the 2026 World Cup finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada, Saudi Arabia has now also bought into the host region's growing football business. The Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF and the continental association CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean) announced on Thursday the agreement of an extensive cooperation that is believed to be worth several million US dollars.
“Our common goal is to promote football in all 41 CONCACAF member associations,” the two sides said in a statement. “We are pleased to begin our partnership with CONCACAF, which as an organization and all its members is on the threshold of an exciting phase,” said PIF boss Mohammed Al Sayyad.
The content of the cooperation is therefore to support CONCACAF competitions for national teams and clubs. In addition to the men's and youth sectors, the PIF commitment should also extend to women's football, although the rights of women and their opportunities to pursue sporting activities are severely restricted in Saudi Arabia.
More and more influence in international football
Such problems did not prevent CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, who is also Vice President of the world association FIFA, from a euphoric assessment of the deal: “This strategic partnership will contribute to the development of football throughout our region. The closer the 2026 World Cup gets, the more interest and all our competitions will attract attention.”
Through the CONCACAF sponsorship, Saudi Arabia, the sole candidate to host the 2034 World Cup finals, continues its significant efforts to expand its influence in international football. His state oil production company Aramco had already concluded a lucrative sponsorship contract with FIFA until 2027 last spring.
The Saudis' commitment to sports, which has been observed for several years, is viewed critically in large parts of the world. Last but not least, human rights organizations see the kingdom's multi-million dollar investments in tennis and golf as “sportswashing” to improve Saudi Arabia's reputation.
