Excitement builds for kick-off of FIFA Club World Cup with thriving city of Jeddah announced as host city as Cup heads to Saudi for first time ever

Nestled along the pristine shores of the Red Sea, the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Jeddah is set to welcome football enthusiasts from across the globe, as it gears up to host the iconic FIFA Club World Cup presented by Visit Saudi from 12 – 22 December 2023. The historic announcement comes ahead of the competition draw, which took place today the 5th of September – a pivotal event that will chart the potential paths to glory for participating teams, Al Ahly, Al-Ittihad, Auckland City, Manchester City, Leon, and Urawa Red Diamonds, as well as the CONMEBOL winners, which will be known on 4 November 2023. With Saudi team Al-Hilal reaching the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022, Saudi-based team, Al-Ittihad will be looking to repeat and build on the success of their countrymen as they welcome the 7-team tournament to Jeddah.

As the most played and followed sport in the country, football holds a special place in the heart of Saudis, with levels of participation that continue to surge across all age groups. The country is also home to some of the most passionate football supporters on the planet, fuelled by the success of the men’s football team in Asia and a club fanbase infrastructure that rivals some of the largest leagues in the world.

Over the past few years, Saudi has made historic strides in broadening female access and participation in football, establishing female football clubs, and promoting initiatives and incentives aimed at increasing female attendance at domestic and international football games.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has become a major global sports hub, with Jeddah at its heart, boasting a diverse cultural calendar, that includes events such as the Red Sea International Film Festival and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

For international visitors, Jeddah offers an array of cultural experiences, that include unique culinary delights in the streets of Al Balad – Jeddah’s historical district, and UNESCO World Heritage site known for its intricately designed coral houses and colorful balconies. Travelers are also free to safely explore the traditional markets of the city, renowned for its iconic Turkish and Afghan souks, which showcase and offer a wide variety of culinary delicacies and goods.