PIF named 2026 World Cup official tournament supporter as Saudi steps up football ambitions
The deal expands PIF’s football investments and includes fan engagement initiatives, with the 2026 World Cup set to feature 48 teams, FIFA said.
- On Thursday, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was named an official tournament supporter for the 2026 World Cup in North America and Asia, deepening its commercial ties with international football.
- PIF last month announced a 2026-2030 strategy reorganization, cutting funding for LIV Golf after spending more than $5 billion on the circuit since 2022, while remaining committed to sports investments.
- The partnership includes support for grassroots, youth, and women's football programs, with PIF companies like the Savvy Games Group and Qiddiya City delivering fan engagement initiatives throughout the June 11–July 19 tournament.
- Iran's football federation chief Mehdi Taj reported Thursday that no visas have been issued yet for the national team, TeamMelli, prompting calls for FIFA to provide guarantees before the World Cup.
- This partnership builds on PIF's earlier Club World Cup 2025 deal and positions the fund's deepening commercial ties with global football ahead of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup.
54 Articles
54 Articles
Many people are critical of this deal: Saudi Arabia joins the 2026 World Cup as a sponsor. FIFA, on the other hand, should accept this as a thank you.
Saudi Arabia will be carrying out the World Cup itself in eight years' time, but the country is already taking influence: via its State Fund, the Gulf State will sponsor the upcoming World Cup. Another project, on the other hand, is pending.
Saudi Arabia joins the World Cup as a sponsor and thus expands its connection to FIFA. Behind the commitment of the State Fund PIF is a bigger strategy.
Los Angeles Times
El Vocero de Puerto RicoSaudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund became an "official sponsor" of the World Cup and on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to invest heavily in the sport, despite notable withdrawals from other initiatives in recent months.
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