Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. Their stadium plans are mind-blowing
Futuristic designs released by the Saudis for 15 host venues are eye-catching to say the least, and some border on the absurd in terms of ambition and scale.
- by Samuel Lowen
Latest
Opinion
FIFA World Cup
Saudi Arabia World Cup a ‘catalyst for change’? Stop insulting our intelligence
FIFA wants us to believe that by granting the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, they are motivated by human rights ideals. It’s the best alibi that money can buy.
- by Greg Baum
Analysis
Australian soccer
How Saudi Arabia steamrolled Australia’s 2034 World Cup hopes
In the early hours of Thursday, Saudi Arabia were confirmed as hosts of the World Cup. Australia wanted to bid, but never stood a chance. The deck was stacked against them.
- by Vince Rugari
FIFA names Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host; three nations to co-host 2030 edition
The decisions complete a mostly opaque 15-month bid process which FIFA president Gianni Infantino helped steer toward Saudi Arabia without a rival candidate.
- by Graham Dunbar
Analysis
FIFA World Cup
‘We should have won it’: Socceroos rue wasted chances as World Cup hopes hang in balance
Thursday night’s 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia wasn’t great for the Socceroos. It also wasn’t a total disaster. But it was very nearly both of those things.
- by Vince Rugari
Popovic believes Socceroos can qualify for World Cup despite chaotic draw with Saudi Arabia
Tony Popovic’s side will rue their missed chances against Saudi Arabia in their crucial World Cup qualifier at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.
- by Roy Ward and Vince Rugari
Updated
Australian soccer
An old foe of the Matildas is back to derail the Socceroos’ World Cup hopes
Herve Renard, who coached France at last year’s Women’s World Cup, has returned to haunt Australia ahead of Thursday night’s crucial showdown with Saudi Arabia.
- by Vince Rugari
‘So many off-field issues’: Life at one of Saudi Arabia’s richest clubs
Saudi Arabian football has undergone a recent revolution that has attracted stars even as big as Cristiano Ronaldo - as well as some Australian representation.
- by Vince Rugari
It’s not just Greg Norman: Saudis sign raft of Aussies in sport splurge
Pouring billions into golf, football and now the Olympics, the oil-rich Gulf state is pressing ahead with ambitious plans despite accusations of sportswashing.
- by Chris Barrett
Analysis
Asian Cup
Four reasons why the Socceroos can get past South Korea in Asian Cup quarter-final
The Koreans will have just two days to prepare for the clash on Saturday morning after a gruelling 120-minute battle with Saudi Arabia. You might say it’s all coming up Arnie.
- by Vince Rugari
Opinion
The Fitz Files
Big-name stars have taken Saudi money, but fans aren’t buying it
No matter how much cash is thrown at getting top sportspeople on board in LIV Golf and the Saudi Pro League, the public is much more picky.
- by Peter FitzSimons
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/saudi-arabia-soccer-jpz