10 October 2024 – The Saudi Arabian bid team for the World Cup 2034 have made a point of expanding horizons and cultural connections. Their latest initiative takes them into world of comic books and a special edition manga, Japan’s iconic style of comic-book art.
In a partnership with Saudi Research Media Group’s Manga Arabia the Saudi Arabian Football Federations (SAFF) plans to release a special edition manga comic titled ‘Road to 2034’, aimed at capturing the imagination of young football fans and manga enthusiasts around the world.
The project comes under the bid’s third pillar titled ‘Growing Connections. Together’ which highlights Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to celebrate its culture and legacy initiatives.
Available in Arabic, English and Japanese, the manga forms part of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s wider efforts andinitiatives to build on the massive excitement for the prospect of Saudi Arabia hosting the first 48 – team FIFA WorldCup™ held in a single nation.
Head of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 bid unit Hammad Albalawi said: “Our bid unites our nation through apassion for the beautiful game and is powered by the dreams and ambitions of over 32 million people. Through thismanga, we’re showing how our dream towards hosting the FIFA World Cup™ in ten years’ time is about inspiring futuregenerations.”
To be released in both print and digital versions, the comic blends traditional storytelling with the manga style to engageaudiences.
“This partnership is a testament to our commitment to engaging our young population – 63% of which are under 30 – in ways that resonate with their interests, while also showcasing and utilizing the opportunity Saudi Arabia’s rich culturalheritage on the global stage,” he continued.
The project was announced on the day the Saudis hosted Japan in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, losing 2-0 and giving Japan a five-point lead at the top of their group after just three matches.
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