New York, USA : Public Investment Fund was named an official tournament supporter for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and Asia on Thursday, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s links with global football ahead of hosting the 2034 edition.
The expanded 48-team tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
According to FIFA and PIF, the agreement will support initiatives including grassroots development, youth and women’s football, education projects and infrastructure and technical expertise programmes.
Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.
The agreement follows PIF’s involvement with the FIFA Club World Cup and reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing commercial footprint in football before the kingdom stages the 2034 World Cup.
“PIF 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,” said Mohamed AlSayyad, head of corporate brand at PIF.
The sovereign wealth fund, chaired by Mohammed bin Salman, has invested heavily in global sport in recent years.
PIF has spent more than $5 billion on LIV Golf since the circuit launched in 2022, though it announced last month that funding would be reduced after the 2026 season, leaving the tour searching for additional investors.
Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in sport has drawn criticism from human rights groups, which have accused the kingdom of using high-profile events and investments for “sportswashing”.
PIF said in its earlier statement on LIV Golf that it remained committed to international investments aligned with its long-term strategy, including current and future investments in sport as a priority sector.
