Saudi Arabia wants to host the Women’s World Cup – but should it? | Arwa Mahdawi

Going from being unable to sponsor the Women's World Cup to hosting it in just a couple of years would be a huge boon to the kingdom's image

Saudi Arabia scored a major PR victory earlier this year when it became the only bidder for the 2034 men's World Cup, all but guaranteeing it will host the event. Not content with one World Cup, it also seems to have its eye on hosting the women's event in 2035. The Saudi Arabia Football Federation vice-president, Lamia Bahaian, recently told Sky Sports that everyone would be welcome" if the country did host the tournament, and people should put aside their concerns about playing there.