The Saudi-US Business Council has explored economic and investment opportunities linked to the 2026 and 2034 FIFA World Cups during an event in New York City focused on strengthening cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the US across sports, tourism, entertainment and hospitality sectors.
Titled ‘Beyond the Pitch: Shaping the Future of Sport in the New Global Arena’, the event was held as part of the Saudi-US Business Council’s Quality of Life Initiative, which aims to expand Saudi-US collaboration and support the Kingdom’s economic transformation goals.
The event was attended by the Saudi Minister of State, Cabinet Member, Member of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, and Member of the Board of Directors of the World Cup 2034 Hosting Higher Authority Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh. Executive Director for the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Andrew Giuliani also attended, along with government officials, business leaders and investors from Saudi Arabia and the US.
Discussions focused on the US, Mexico and Canada’s experience in hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026, as well as opportunities to enhance economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the US through major sporting events. Participants highlighted the role of global tournaments in driving investment across infrastructure, tourism, technology, hospitality and entertainment sectors, while contributing to the growth of the international sports economy.
Al Al-Sheikh noted that Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 represent an opportunity for ideas, investment and international partnerships. He stressed the importance of using sport as a platform that connects business, culture and entertainment while delivering exceptional fan experiences.
Giuliani said that the US, Mexico and Canada had successfully hosted the FIFA World Cup 2026 and achieved long-term economic benefits, adding that he was proud to cooperate with Saudi Arabia as it prepares to host the 2034 edition.
Saudi-US Business Council CEO Charles Hallab said that sport has become a key area of cooperation between the two countries, noting that the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US and Saudi Arabia’s preparations for 2034 present significant opportunities to strengthen partnerships, attract investment and create sustainable economic value.
He added that the Saudi-US Business Council remains committed to connecting government leaders and the business community, strengthening the economic partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia, and identifying new cooperation opportunities across sport-related sectors.
