Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez Back Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Bid

• Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez have backed Saudi Arabia's bid for the 2034 World Cup
• The country's football federation announced this after the 2030 hosts were unveiled this week
• The 2026 event will be hosted by the three nations in the United States, Canada and Mexico

A day after announcing they will bid to host the 2034 World Cup, Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez - who play in the Saudi Pro League - have backed the country's bid.

Saudi Arabia's announcement came after Morocco, Spain, and Portugal were awarded the rights to host the tournament in 2030.

Benzema, who plays for reigning SPL champions, Al-Ittihad, took to X (formerly Twitter) to support Saudi Arabia's ambitious bid.

"Wow! Amazing news. The future is bright – congrats to all my friends and fans in Saudi Arabia on this big announcement. I know how much you love the game and what this would mean to you! It would be an incredible FIFA World Cup."

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Benzema is one of the top players from European clubs who have moved to the SPL this year. Those players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, have raised the profile of the league.

Mahrez, who joined Al-Ahli this summer, said it was great to see Saudi Arabia bid for the World Cup.

"Here we go... Clearly in the right place, now and for the future. Amazing to see Saudi Arabia bid for the big one. I hear and see the fans. I feel the passion and love of the game. I hope the world gets to see it too."

With Mahrez and Benzema's statements, we should see a few more elite players from the league backing the bid on social media.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) promised to 'deliver a world-class tournament' in 2034.

"Our bid is inspired by Saudi Arabia’s transformation journey, the passion of our fans, and a commitment to deliver an amazing tournament."

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Al-Ettifaq manager, Steven Gerrard also posted a message on Instagram to back the bid.

Saudi Arabia investments in sports

Saudi Arabia, through the Public Investment Fund, has invested heavily in major leagues around the world.

They took over Newcastle United in the Premier League, launched LIV golf, and hosted Formula 1 for the first time in 2021. They are also set to host high-profile tennis events and boxing matches.

The country will host the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup in December, as well as the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, per the Athletic.

Apart from hosting continental and global events, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in their football. The PIF took control of four teams in the SPL, including Benzema's Al-Ittihad, Mahrez's Al-Ahli, Ronaldo's Al-Nassr and Neymar's Al-Hilal.

The four clubs were one of the biggest spenders in the summer. The heavy spending has made the league one of the most popular in the world.

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Karim Benzema dazzles in Saudi traditional dress

Sports Brief earlier reported on Benzema and Neymar wearing Saudi traditional attire to celebrate the country's 93rd National Day.

Al-Hilal players donned the thobe, (robe), shemagh (headscarf), and aqal (headband) to perform a traditional dance known as Ardha.