Host City Confirmed For FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and FIFA have jointly announced that all matches of the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023™ will be held in the city of Jeddah. The decision came after a FIFA delegation conducted an assessment of the ongoing preparations for the tournament, scheduled to take place from December 12 to December 22, 2023. This marks the first time that Saudi Arabia will host the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup™.
Yasser Al Misehal, the President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, expressed his delight at Jeddah being chosen as the host city. He emphasized that Jeddah’s modern facilities and track record in hosting major international sports events played a crucial role in the selection. Moreover, he highlighted how sports play a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation under Vision 2030, positioning the Kingdom as one of the fastest-growing and most captivating countries in the world of sports.
“We believe hosting international events like the FIFA Club World Cup provides an opportunity to grow the game further and inspire new and existing fans, while showcasing to the world Saudi’s hospitable culture and huge passion for football. Working closely with FIFA, we are ready to deliver an exceptional tournament and an unforgettable experience for players and fans.”
During the FIFA delegation visit, thorough inspections were carried out, focusing on crucial infrastructure elements such as the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium and the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium. Additionally, the proposed training and accommodation facilities were carefully assessed to ensure they meet the required standards for the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023™.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s (SAFF) unwavering dedication to promoting football at all levels in the country has been evident through recent accomplishments. This includes the achievement of qualifying for six FIFA World Cup™ tournaments, the success of the U-23 AFC Asian Cup (men), the establishment of a FIFA-ranked women’s national team, and the introduction of a U-17 women’s national team.
At the grassroots level, SAFF’s commitment remains strong, evident by the establishment of 28 regional training centers dedicated to nurturing young Saudi talent. The number of registered coaches has also significantly increased from 750 in 2018 to over 5,500, including 1,000 women coaches. Notably, progress has been rapid, with male registered players seeing a remarkable 58% rise since 2021, and female registered players witnessing an impressive 86% increase during the same period.
