December 6 – Three-time winner of the Asian Cup, Saudi Arabia are in talks about competing in next summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup to be held in the United States and Canada.
The perennial powerhouse from the Middle East who at the 2022 World cup finals were the only team to beat Argentina, have recently strengthened ties with CONCACAF through a multi-year deal with the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Concacaf president, Victor Montagliani, said in a statement at the time that it was a “strategic partnership which will support the confederation in developing all levels of football across our region”.
The full line-up of the 16 teams has yet to be finalised though the USA, and Canada qualify as hosts, while Mexico has a place as the current champion.
This isn’t the first time a team from Asia has been invited to the tournament as Qatar in preparation for the 2022 World Cup appeared in 2021, and two years later in 2023. South Korea also participated in 2000 and 2002 as part of their World Cup groundwork. With a potential Saudi Arabia World Cup in 2034, this invitation follows a distinct pattern.
If invited, the Saudis will be looking to improve upon the results of both Qatar and South Korea as neither of those countries ever made it to the final of Concacaf’s premier national team competition.
The 2025 Gold Cup begins on June 14 and the final is on July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston. Thirteen of the venues are in the US, with BC Place in Vancouver the sole Canadian venue.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1734896021labto1734896021ofdlr1734896021owedi1734896021sni@o1734896021fni1734896021