From 2026 to 2034 – Saudi Arabia’s Shifting Sport Politics in Light of Regional Uncertainty

This CARPO Pulse examines Saudi Arabia’s need to recalibrate its sports strategy as regional instability, fiscal constraints, and shifting economic priorities reduce the scope of its global sports investments ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. While the kingdom continues to use sports as a tool for economic diversification and international influence, it is increasingly concentrating resources on strategically important disciplines and major events while expanding a domestic sports industry that creates jobs, promotes public health, and supports social cohesion.