Indonesia Explores The Possibility Of Hosting The 2034 World Cup With Saudi Arabia

World Cup Trophy. (Photo: twitter @go.qatar.2022)

JAKARTA Indonesia will try to collaborate with Saudi Arabia to target the host with the 2034 World Cup. Talks will soon be held.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo at the Kemenpora Office, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

"We are following developments, but indeed what is Indonesia's positioning, which the President (Joko Widodo) wants, we are at least co-host (the co-host)," said Dito.

He later revealed that President Jokowi plans to fly to Saudi Arabia to meet Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).

Currently the President is in China. He will leave for Arabia on Wednesday, October 18, to discuss the possibility of hosting it together.

"I will fly to Saudi Arabia to accompany the President and one of the topics (will be discussed with) King MBS (is the host together). Hopefully we will update this," said Dito.

Apart from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia is also lobbying Australia to co-host. Several countries in ASEAN were also invited to communicate.

Dito himself did not specify which Southeast Asian countries were spoken to. However, he ensured that so far the government has continued to build communication with open countries that want to invite Indonesia.

"So for countries that are now exploring support from Indonesia, I have said that indeed Indonesia's position is we want to be co-hosts," he said.

Saudi Arabia itself has volunteered to host the 2034 World Cup after FIFA opened registration on October 4. The deadline for the statement of interest will be closed on October 31.