Saudi Arabia reportedly weighing joint bid with Greece, Egypt for 2030 World Cup

Saudi Arabia is reportedly examining the prospect of co-organizing the World Cup in 2030 with Egypt and Greece, the country’s tourism minister, Ahmed Al Khateeb, said on Tuesday in Riyadh.

He also cited a certainty that all three potential candidates are ready to invest in necessary infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has shown increased interest of late in hosting major international sports events, part of the energy-rich kingdom’s “pivot” towards a more diversified economy. The country recently won the Asian Winter Games for 2029, which are scheduled to take place in a new mega-city to be built in an area where cold temperatures are common in the Saudi desert’s winter season. Additionally, a Formula 1 race takes place in the kingdom, while several high-profile boxing matches have been secured.

The Times of London first reported back in September that Saudi Arabia was considering the prospect of a joint bid with Egypt and Greece.