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- Saudi Arabia all but confirmed as hosts after Australia pulled out of the bidding on Tuesday
In reaction to the news that Saudi Arabia looks certain to host the 2034 World Cup, Al-Ettifaq coach Steven Gerrard said that if confirmed the Kingdom would put on an “incredible show.”
On Tuesday Australia pulled out of the bidding process for the 2034 World Cup to leave Saudi Arabia as the only candidate. While the hosting of the tournament is still to be ratified in the coming months, FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino all but confirmed that football’s premier event is coming to the Kingdom.
Following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Al-Nassr in the King’s Cup, Gerrard responded to a question about the latest development by saying: “That’s not 100 percent confirmed at the moment, but extremely happy that Australia have pulled out. That gives Saudi a better chance and makes me extremely happy.”
“I think it’ll be an incredible show if it gets finalized and agreed,” added the former Liverpool and England star, who played in three World Cup tournaments. “I’m sure everyone will agree it’s something to look forward to.”
Al-Ettifaq were eliminated from the King’s Cup after extra time, thanks to Sadio Mane’s 107-minute winner for Al-Nassr in Riyadh.