Saudi-US Business Council highlights economic partnership opportunities ahead of 2026 and 2034 World Cups

The Saudi-US Business Council organized an event in New York City titled "Beyond the Pitch: Shaping the Future of Sports in the New Global Arena," aimed at exploring economic and investment opportunities arising from the hosting of the FIFA World Cups in 2026 and 2034.

The council stated that the event is part of the "Quality of Life" initiative, which seeks to strengthen cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States in the sectors of sports, tourism, entertainment, and hospitality, while supporting the Kingdom’s economic transformation goals.

Broad participation from officials and business leaders

The event was attended by Minister of State, member of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, and board member of the Supreme Committee for the 2034 World Cup, Mohammed Al-Sheikh, as well as Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House 2026 World Cup Task Force, alongside government officials, business leaders, and investors from both countries.

Participants highlighted the experience of the United States, Mexico, and Canada in hosting the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing the importance of expanding economic cooperation between Riyadh and Washington, and the role of major sporting events in driving investment in infrastructure, tourism, technology, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.

New investment opportunities and support for the sports economy

Al-Sheikh added that Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 2034 World Cup present an open opportunity for ideas, investments, and international partnerships, stressing the importance of leveraging sports as a platform that brings together business, culture, and entertainment, and delivers exceptional fan experiences.

For his part, Giuliani noted that the United States, Mexico, and Canada have successfully organized the 2026 World Cup and achieved lasting economic benefits, expressing his pride in collaborating with Saudi Arabia as it prepares to host the 2034 edition.

Similarly, Charles Hollab, CEO of the Saudi-US Business Council, affirmed that sports have become one of the most prominent areas of cooperation between the two countries, noting that hosting the World Cup in the United States in 2026 and Saudi Arabia’s preparations for 2034 open up broad prospects for strengthening partnerships, stimulating investments, and achieving sustainable economic value.

The council continues its efforts to bring together government and business leaders and to enhance economic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia, while exploring new opportunities for cooperation in sports-related sectors.