Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been named an official tournament supporter for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The partnership includes global support for grassroots programs, youth and women's football, educational initiatives, infrastructure development, and technical expertise to help foster football growth worldwide [1, 2, 3].
Mohamed AlSayyad, head of corporate brand at PIF, said the fund "continues to accelerate the growth of football globally by expanding access to the game and creating opportunities that benefit players, fans and the wider football ecosystem" [1, 3]. While no financial details or specific activations of the PIF-FIFA agreement have been disclosed, the relationship builds on PIF's existing partnership with FIFA for the 2025 Club World Cup [1, 2, 3].
PIF is chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and has invested heavily in sports, spending over $5 billion on LIV Golf since 2022, although it announced last month it will cut funding for the golf league after the 2026 season ends [1, 2, 3]. PIF stated it remains committed to international sports investments aligned with its strategy, which includes current and future investments in the sports sector as a priority [3].
Saudi Arabia will also host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking the country's growing role as a major player in global soccer [1, 2, 3]. The Saudi national team will begin its 2026 World Cup campaign on June 15 against Uruguay in Group H along with Spain and Cape Verde [3].
Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of using sports investments for "sportswashing" related to its human rights record, though the fund emphasizes its focus on football growth worldwide [1, 2]. The 2026 World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across three countries in North America, with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund playing a significant supporting role in its delivery and football development.
