EURO 2024

2034 World Cup Bids: Saudi Arabia and Australia’s Intent

FIFA sets a tight deadline for 2034 World Cup bids, with Saudi Arabia and Australia showing strong interest in hosting the prestigious tournament.

Published

12 months ago

October 5, 2023

Caca Anttunes

2034 World Cup Bids: Saudi Arabia and Australia's Intent

Sidney Alianz Stadium, Australia

Contents hide

1 Countries and Football Administrators Have 25 Days to Decide

1.1 2034 World Cup Bid Timeline

1.2 Saudi Arabia’s Intent to Host

1.3 Support from Asian Football Confederation

1.4 Cost Considerations

Countries and Football Administrators Have 25 Days to Decide

FIFA has imposed a tight deadline of just 25 days for Football Australia, state, and federal governments, and potential Asian co-hosts to determine whether they will submit bids for the 2034 World Cup. This deadline was disclosed on the same day that Saudi Arabia announced its intention to host the tournament, gaining the support of Asia’s most influential football administrator.

2034 World Cup Bid Timeline

FIFA unveiled the bid timeline for the 2034 tournament, setting the deadline for potential bids to express their interest by October 31st. The 2034 World Cup has been designated for bidders from Asia and Oceania.

James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, commented on their consideration of a 2034 bid, stating, “We acknowledge FIFA’s communication regarding the FIFA World Cup 2034, and we are encouraged that after the hugely successful FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023, the football family of Asia and Oceania will once again have the opportunity to showcase their ability to welcome the world and host the best FIFA tournaments.”

Saudi Arabia’s Intent to Host

stadium king abdullah sports city

Saudi Arabia, which has made significant investments in football in recent years, swiftly declared its intention to bid for the 2034 tournament following FIFA’s announcement. Yasser Al Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, expressed that “the time is right” for Saudi Arabia to host the World Cup, emphasizing the Kingdom’s transformation journey as the driving force behind their bid.

However, it’s worth noting that Saudi Arabia has faced international criticism for its human rights record and the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Critics have accused the country of “sportswashing” due to its substantial investments in sports.

Support from Asian Football Confederation

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA Council’s Senior Vice President, expressed delight at Saudi Arabia’s bid intention. He pledged unity within the Asian football family in supporting Saudi Arabia’s initiative.

As discussions about a potential Australian 2034 bid had already started, co-hosting with countries like New Zealand and those in Southeast Asia is being considered. The bidding process requires a minimum of 14 stadiums.

Following the October 31st deadline for associations to confirm their interest in bidding, the bids must be submitted by July 2024. FIFA is expected to make a decision late next year.

Cost Considerations

Australia’s recent Women’s World Cup in 2023 cost $170 million, including $120 million in government contributions. Notably, Australia’s bid for the 2022 Men’s World Cup, hosted by Qatar, used $46 million in public funding and received only one vote from FIFA’s decision-makers, sparking widespread criticism.

For the 2030 tournament, a joint proposal from Morocco, Spain, and Portugal is the sole bidder, planning celebratory matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to mark the World Cup’s 100th anniversary. The 2026 Men’s World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup is set to be announced in May next year.

News

Wales To Face Finland in Semi-Finals; Euro 2024 Play-Offs Unveil Path to Glory

As dragons prepare to clash with the resilient Nordic force in the semi-finals, Wales seeks to script a triumphant tale through the twists and turns of the Euro 2024 Play-Offs, unveiling a path destined for glory.

Published

10 months ago

November 24, 2023

Caca Anttunes

Wales To Face Finland in Semi-Finals; Euro 2024 Play-Offs Unveil Path to Glory

Wales Squad celebrates

Road to Redemption

In a thrilling revelation on Thursday, Wales discovered their Euro 2024 play-off destiny, setting the stage for an intense battle towards the championship. Rob Page’s squad is geared up for a face-off against Finland in the semi-finals, scheduled to unfold in Cardiff. The stakes are high, as victory in this clash will pave the way for a home encounter against either Poland or Estonia in the play-off final.

March Madness Beckons

The pivotal matches are slated for March 2024, as Wales endeavors to secure a spot in the European Championship for the third consecutive time. Despite stumbling in the standard qualification route, finishing third in their group, the Welsh team remains undeterred. Having garnered just one point in their last two games against Armenia and Turkey, they are now banking on the play-offs to reignite their Euro 2024 aspirations.

Familiar Territory for Wales

Wales is no stranger to the play-off drama, having successfully navigated the route to the 2022 World Cup. The team triumphed over Scotland and Ukraine, clinching a qualification that marked their return to the global stage after a hiatus since 1958. Now, they stand on the precipice of another remarkable feat – a third consecutive appearance in the European Championship.

PLAY-OFF PATH A:
Wales vs Finland
Poland vs Estonia#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/J2qabW6etw
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) November 23, 2023

Euro 2024 Play-Off Draw

Path A

Wales vs. Finland Winner hosts play-off final
Poland vs. Estonia

Path B

Israel vs. Iceland
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Ukraine Winner hosts play-off final

Path C

Georgia vs. Luxembourg Winner hosts play-off final
Greece vs. Kazakhstan

Countdown to the Group-Stage Draw

While Wales eagerly awaits the outcome of their play-off journey, the broader Euro 2024 landscape is taking shape. England and Scotland are on the brink of unveiling their fate, with the group-stage draw scheduled for December 2. The pots are set, with England in Pot 1, Scotland in Pot 3, and the eventual victor of Wales’ play-off route in Pot 4.

Germany Set to Kick Off

As anticipation builds, host nation Germany is poised to kick off Euro 2024 in a thrilling opener on June 14, 2024, in Munich’s Group A. The group stage promises football fervor from June 14 to 26, with the knockout stage intensifying from June 29 to July 14, culminating in the grand finale in Berlin. The stage is set, and the countdown to Euro 2024 is well and truly underway.

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News

UEFA Euro 2024: Group-Stage Draw Preview and Play-Off Update

Amidst the anticipation of the UEFA Euro 2024 draw, the football world holds its breath, eager to witness the clash of titans and underdogs in what promises to be a riveting tournament across the diverse landscapes of Europe.

Published

10 months ago

November 22, 2023

Caca Anttunes

Countdown to the Draw

With the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers concluded, the excitement is building for the upcoming group-stage draw. Scheduled for Saturday, December 2, in Hamburg, this event will unveil the matchups for 21 of the 24 confirmed teams. England and Scotland are set to represent the home nations, while Wales eagerly anticipates the play-offs as a potential gateway to Germany.

Pots and Potential “Groups of Death”

The draw carries the promise of thrilling encounters, with the pots shaping the landscape. Defending champions Italy find themselves in Pot 4, and World Cup semi-finalists Croatia join the fray in Pot 3 alongside the Netherlands. The allocation of pots reflects UEFA’s innovative approach, considering teams’ Euro 2024 qualifiers performance and FIFA ranking.

Heading to Germany for #EURO2024 👊 pic.twitter.com/ZItEgcPzbi
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) November 21, 2023

UEFA Euro 2024 Group-Stage Draw Pots

Pot 1:

Germany
Portugal
France
Spain
Belgium
England

Pot 2:

Hungary
Turkey
Romania
Denmark
Albania
Austria

Pot 3:

Netherlands
Scotland
Croatia
Slovenia
Slovakia
Czech Republic

Pot 4:

Italy
Serbia
Switzerland
Play-off winner A
Play-off winner B
Play-off winner C

Play-Off Drama Unfolding

While the group-stage draw buzz intensifies, attention also turns to the Euro 2024 play-offs scheduled for March 21 and 26. Twelve teams will battle it out across three brackets (Paths A, B, and C), with the final configurations set to be unveiled on November 23 in Nyon.

UEFA Euro 2024 Play-Off Semi-Finals Lineup

Path A Semi-Finals:

Poland vs. Estonia
Wales vs. Finland/Ukraine/Iceland

Path B Semi-Finals:

Israel vs. Ukraine/Iceland
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Finland/Ukraine

Path C Semi-Finals:

Georgia vs. Luxembourg
Greece vs. Kazakhstan

The intrigue continues, with the draw potentially altering matchups based on team allocations.

Save the Dates

Mark your calendars for the UEFA Euro 2024, set to kick off with Germany’s curtain-raiser in Munich on June 14, 2024. The group stage spans from June 14-26, followed by the knockout stage from June 29-July 14. Berlin awaits the final showdown on July 14, concluding what promises to be a football spectacle in the heart of Europe.

Also Read:

Top 4 EURO 2024 Qualifiers: Europe’s Best Players

News

England Faces Personnel Setback Ahead of Euro 2024 Qualifier

England’s Euro 2024 journey takes an unexpected turn with Kieran Trippier’s withdrawal and Jarrod Bowen’s injury, raising concerns ahead of the North Macedonia clash. In Group C, Italy and Ukraine intensify their battle for the second qualification spot, heightening the stakes in European football.

Published

10 months ago

November 20, 2023

Caca Anttunes

Kieran Trippier Withdraws from England Squad

In a surprising turn of events, Kieran Trippier has withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia. The Newcastle defender, who played a full 90 minutes in England’s recent 2-0 win over Malta, cited a ‘personal matter‘ as the reason for his absence. Trippier’s departure adds to the challenges faced by manager Gareth Southgate, who has already confirmed that West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen will also miss the match due to a minor injury.

Trippier’s Personal Matter and Newcastle’s Clash

Trippier’s decision to leave the England camp comes amidst speculations surrounding a ‘personal matter.’ As a result, he will not be part of the squad flying out to North Macedonia for the final Euro 2024 qualifier. Instead, he has returned to his club, Newcastle, to prepare for their upcoming clash with Chelsea on November 25. The England manager, Southgate, expressed the need to prioritize Trippier’s well-being, emphasizing a cautious approach and avoiding unnecessary risks.

Varied Outcomes for England and North Macedonia

The Euro 2024 qualifier holds little significance for both England and North Macedonia. With England already securing their place in next summer’s finals in Germany, the match serves as a formality. North Macedonia, on the other hand, cannot qualify for the finals and is guaranteed to finish fourth in the group.

Other Group C Showdown: Ukraine vs. Italy

While England’s match may lack crucial stakes, the other fixture in Group C promises intense competition. Ukraine and Italy are set to battle it out for the second qualification berth. Both teams are tied on 13 points from seven games, with Italy holding the advantage after winning the reverse fixture 2-1 in Milan. Even with a potential defeat, Italy remains in contention for qualification and has a backup route through the play-offs, thanks to their performance in the Nations League.

As the Euro 2024 draws near, the dynamics of Group C unfold with unexpected developments and heightened competition. The football world awaits the results that will shape the teams advancing to the finals in Germany next year.

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