- ARAB NEWS
- 30 Apr 2025
Since 1975
DUBAI: The Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 has entered a partnership with Saudi Research and Media Group’s Manga Arabia to release a special edition manga titled ‘Road to 2034’, which aims to capture the imagination of young football fans and manga enthusiasts around the world.
The manga is a part of the Saudi Football Federation’s efforts to build on the excitement of Saudi Arabia’s preparation to host the first 48-team FIFA World Cup held in a single nation in 2034. Available in Japanese, English, and Arabic, it will be released both in print and digitally.
The partnership highlights the Kingdom’s ambition to celebrate its culture and legacy as part of its FIFA World Cup bid, offering an opportunity to connect with youth across the world.
The collaboration also emphasizes the desire to inspire the next generation of young footballers to pursue their dreams through the powerful medium of storytelling.
The announcement falls on the same day as the World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Saudi Arabia and Japan, which is taking place at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
ملف #ترشح_السعودية2034 و #مانجا_العربية يسعدهما الإعلان عن قصة #الطريق_إلى_2034؛ التي تصوّر طموح شاب سعودي بتمثيل بلاده في كأس العالم 2034. 🏆🇸🇦
— Manga Alarabia مانجا العربية (@MangaAlarabia) October 9, 2024
ترقبوها قريبًا بالعربية والإنجليزية واليابانية. 🔥@Saudi2034bidAR pic.twitter.com/RvK1PYOj84
“Our bid unites our nation through a passion for the beautiful game and is powered by the dreams and ambitions of over 32 million people,” Hammad Albalawi, Head of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup, shared. “Through this manga, we are showing how our dream towards hosting the FIFA World Cup in ten years’ time is about inspiring future generations.”
“We want to ensure we leave behind a lasting legacy. 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 Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage,” he added.
Rashid Al-Rashed, CEO of Saudi Research and Media Group, also emphasized the importance of the partnership, saying that it resonates with future generations as it empowers local talents and promotes storytelling.
Moreover, Manga Arabia’s General Manager and Editor-in-Chief, Essam Bukhary, shared that the partnership highlights the Kingdom’s position in sports globally with the help of young Saudi talents, adding that the manga industry plays a huge role in society as it inspires future generations.
