The President of the Kuwait Football Association, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef, announced a new strategic direction for Kuwaiti football regarding hosting major continental events, confirming that the association's first choice is to submit a bid to host the "AFC Asian Cup 2035" instead of competing for the 2031 edition. This statement outlines a clear roadmap for Kuwait's ambitions to regain its sporting standing on the Asian and international stage.
In press statements made on the sidelines of the conference for the launch of tickets for the French Super Cup (Champions Trophy) match between French football giants Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille in Kuwait, Al-Yousef explained that the decision between the two bids was made in favor of the 2035 edition for logical and logistical reasons. He noted that the Asian Football Confederation had received seven bids to host the tournament last April, including those from the UAE, Australia, India, Indonesia, and South Korea, in addition to the Kuwaiti bid.
Geographical distribution and infrastructure
Kuwait's decision was based on a realistic assessment of the Asian Football Confederation's geographical rotation policy. Following Qatar's hosting of the 2023 edition (which was held in 2024), the UAE's hosting of the 2019 edition, and with Saudi Arabia preparing to host the 2027 edition, it became highly likely that the tournament would shift to East Asian countries in 2031. This trend diminished the chances for West Asian nations in that edition, prompting Kuwait to focus on the later date to improve its prospects.
Furthermore, Al-Yousef addressed the logistical challenges, pointing to the stringent requirements imposed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which mandate the availability of more than four modern stadiums with a capacity exceeding 42,000 spectators each. This requirement grants Kuwait ample time until 2035 to develop its sports infrastructure and construct world-class stadiums befitting the scale of the event and aligned with Kuwait's development vision.
The French Super Cup: A real test and a return to the spotlight
Beyond the Asian competition, Kuwait is eagerly anticipating hosting a unique global event: the French Super Cup, scheduled for January 8th. Al-Yousef expressed confidence in the event's success, revealing the fierce competition Kuwait faced in securing the hosting rights, ultimately prevailing over strong bids from Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. This marks the first time Kuwait will host this prestigious tournament, a move reflecting the country's ambition to become a global sporting destination.
Historical and future significance
These moves carry profound implications for Kuwaiti sports fans. Kuwait, once a leader in Gulf and Asian football during its golden era, having won the Asian Cup in 1980 and qualified for the 1982 World Cup, is striving to turn the page on its lean years and return to prominence. Hosting events of the magnitude of the French Super Cup and the long-term planning for the 2035 Asian Cup are not merely about organizing matches; they are part of a soft power strategy aimed at boosting sports tourism and firmly re-establishing Kuwait's name on the international sporting map.
