Saudi Arabia’s Ambition: Hosting the 2035 Women’s World Cup

In the world of sports, ambitious bids to host international tournaments are always a hot topic, and Saudi Arabia is making headlines with its desire to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup. Monika Staab, the technical director of Saudi Arabia’s women’s team, shared this exciting news at the Leaders Week conference at Twickenham. This move comes on the heels of Saudi Arabia’s formal bid to host the 2034 men’s World Cup, signaling their keen interest in being a major player on the global sports stage.

While Saudi Arabia’s intentions are commendable in terms of promoting women’s and girls’ soccer, there are certain challenges and controversies associated with their bid. The Gulf kingdom has faced criticism for its human rights record, including the criminalization of same-sex sexual activity and restrictions on women’s rights. These issues have raised concerns, especially among women’s football players who are openly critical of initiatives like the sponsorship of the 2023 World Cup by Saudi tourism authority Visit Saudi.

Amnesty International Australia campaigner Nikita White pointed out the irony of Saudi Arabia sponsoring a celebration of women’s sport while Saudi women still face significant barriers, such as the need for male guardian permission to work. These concerns add a layer of complexity to Saudi Arabia’s aspirations to host the Women’s World Cup.

Another interesting development is Saudi Arabia’s bid for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026, which puts them in the running alongside Australia. The Saudi women’s team, formed in 2022, has yet to compete in a major tournament, but Staab believes that they are on the path to international competitiveness.

Furthermore, there’s the possibility of a face-off with England for the 2035 tournament bid. The Football Association in England has expressed interest in hosting the Women’s World Cup, and their decision could be influenced by the outcome of the joint Germany-Netherlands-Belgium bid for the 2027 edition. If the latter bid is successful, it could impact England’s plans and potentially lead them to consider a bid for 2035.

Saudi Arabia’s increasing involvement in sports, despite its controversial reputation, raises questions about the concept of “sportswashing” – using sports events to improve a nation’s image. While there have been some reforms under Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, such as the lifting of the ban on women driving, human rights issues and strict laws concerning same-sex relationships remain contentious.

Notably, the Saudi Pro League has attracted high-profile male players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, further emphasizing the kingdom’s growing presence in global football.

In the world of sports and international tournaments, Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup adds a new layer of complexity, controversy, and ambition. As the bidding process unfolds and the world watches, it remains to be seen whether Saudi Arabia will secure the opportunity to host this prestigious event and whether it can address the concerns that accompany its bid. The future of women’s soccer and Saudi Arabia’s role in it are poised for exciting developments.

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More about Women’s World Cup 2035 Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Arabia’s formal bid for 2034 men’s World Cup
• Amnesty International’s concerns about Saudi sponsorship
• The formation of Saudi Arabia’s women’s football team in 2022
• Football Association’s consideration of a bid for 2031 Women’s World Cup
• Controversies surrounding Saudi Arabia’s involvement in sports
• Issues related to “sportswashing” in sports
• High-profile male players in the Saudi Pro League