Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund became an official supporter for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, expanding the kingdom’s growing role in global football before it hosts the 2034 tournament.
The deal covers North America and Asia for this year’s World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
This will be the first World Cup with 48 teams.
FIFA and PIF said the partnership will support football development around the world. It will include grassroots projects, youth and women’s football, education programmes, and work to improve infrastructure and technical knowledge.
Neither side revealed financial terms or detailed plans for specific events.
The agreement follows PIF’s earlier partnership with FIFA for the 2025 Club World Cup.
It also strengthens Saudi Arabia’s commercial links with world football as the country prepares to stage the 2034 World Cup.
PIF official Mohamed AlSayyad said the fund wants to help football grow globally by creating more chances for players, fans and the wider game.
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has become one of the biggest investors in international sport.
It spent more than $5 billion on LIV Golf after launching the breakaway circuit in 2022. But PIF said last month it will reduce funding for LIV Golf after the 2026 season, forcing the competition to seek new investors.
The fund, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, continues to invest heavily in sports worldwide.
Saudi Arabia has faced criticism from human rights groups, who accuse the country of using major sports investments to improve its global image.
Despite that criticism, PIF said sports remain a priority sector in its international investment strategy.
