Egypt is seeking to host group-stage matches for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in Saudi Arabia, according to the country’s football federation president, Hany Abo Rida.
Speaking at the 14th CAF extraordinary general assembly in Cairo, Abo Rida expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to deliver a historic tournament while also appealing to FIFA to grant Egypt the opportunity to organize part of the competition.
“We fully support our Saudi brothers and wish them success in hosting the World Cup. At the same time, we hope FIFA President Gianni Infantino will consider allowing Egypt and Africa the privilege of hosting a group-stage section of the tournament in 2034,” he stated.
The request holds symbolic significance, as 2034 will mark a century since Egypt became the first African nation to participate in a World Cup, making its debut in the 1934 edition in Italy.
Saudi Arabia, the sole bidder for the 2034 tournament, was officially confirmed as the host by FIFA on December 11. This will make the Kingdom the third Arab nation to stage the event, following Qatar in 2022 and Morocco in 2030, when it co-hosts alongside Spain and Portugal.
Egypt had previously shown interest in hosting the entire 2034 World Cup and had also made an unsuccessful joint bid with Saudi Arabia and Greece for the 2030 edition.
