Saudi Arabia Builds Youth Pipeline for 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia is running a nationwide youth football program aimed at developing the players who could form the national team at the 2034 World Cup. The effort combines school scouting, regional training centers, academies and expanded youth competitions running from the 2024–2025 season through 2033–2034.

The scouting network is already wide-reaching. More than 100 schools take part in national scouting, supported by over 170 coaches, while the Schools League has drawn more than 200,000 participating players. Officials also plan more than 25 regional training centers to identify and nurture talent across the Kingdom.

Starting younger every year

Grassroots participation has been extended to earlier ages, with youth competitions now including under-17 and under-11 groups. Competitions for under-6 players are planned by 2027, reflecting a long-term approach to building depth well ahead of 2034.

The elite pathway is anchored by the Future Falcons program, which began in 2019 and moved under the Saudi Football Federation in 2020. It has developed or awarded scholarships to around 230 players, with a newer focus on under-16 talent training in Salou, Spain. Alongside it, MAHD Academy, established in 2020, works to identify and develop young athletes, including footballers, across the country.

For families and young players in Riyadh, Jeddah and other cities, the expansion signals more structured opportunities to enter competitive football from an early age. As preparations for hosting the 2034 tournament continue, the youth pipeline is shaping up as a central pillar of the Kingdom's long-term sporting ambitions.

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