Saudi Arabia Builds Youth Pipeline for 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia has put in place a structured youth development pathway aimed at building the national squad for the 2034 World Cup, spanning players from the age of six through to professional level. The plan is guided by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's "Our Tactics for Tomorrow" strategy and combines competitions, scouting and coaching reforms.

Age-group competitions have been widened significantly. Under-17 and under-11 tournaments are already running, national competitions for players under six are planned by 2027, and new organized events for under-5, under-7 and under-9 categories are being introduced to expand the future talent pool.

At the center of the pipeline is the Future Falcons program, launched in 2019 and now extended from its original 18–20 age range to include under-16 and younger cohorts. Between roughly 200 and 230 teenagers have received individual scholarships. The under-16 national team receives two consecutive seasons of professional training in Salou, Spain, while older groups compete in the Abtal Cup against under-19 sides from leading European clubs.

A nationwide scouting network supports the effort, involving more than 100 schools and over 170 coaches, with the national Schools League drawing over 200,000 players. Plans call for more than 25 regional training centers, up from at least 17 currently, alongside Mahd Sports Academy, a major hub for talent identification and training for ages 6 to 18.

Coaching capacity has grown from around 700 coaches in 2019 to more than 4,000 in 2023, with a target of 8,000 certified coaches by 2025, plus a program to certify 2,500 Saudi referees. More than 50 youth competitions are planned by 2025 to bridge the gap between youth and professional football, giving young Saudis across the Kingdom a clearer route toward the national team.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving