Malaysia Aims To Host FIFA World Cup – Zahid

BANGI, July 20 — Malaysia officially intends to pursue hosting rights for the FIFA World Cup in the future, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced today. The administration expressed its long-term vision to not only stage the world’s premier football tournament but also see the national squad compete on the global stage.

Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, shared the strategic sporting vision while speaking at a mass public viewing of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at Bangi Square 2.

“God willing, one day we aspire to make Malaysia a host of the World Cup,” the Deputy Prime Minister declared to the crowd. “Hopefully, by then, the Malaysian team will be among the World Cup participants representing Southeast Asia.”

The ambitious statement coincides with positive upward movement for the national team, Harimau Malaya, in the international standings. According to the latest official metrics released by football’s global governing body, Malaysia has climbed two places to occupy the 136th position in the world rankings. The squad accumulated a total of 1,086.22 points, rising from their previous position of 138th.

The policy remarks were delivered during a major community engagement event where hundreds of local football fans gathered around giant screens to witness Spain’s extra-time victory over defending champions Argentina.

Ahead of the match kickoff, organizers hosted a dedicated “Borak Bola” panel session featuring a star-studded lineup of national football legends, including Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan, Mohd Farizal Marlias, and Mohamad Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak. The sports panel, moderated by sports broadcaster Hafizal Hamad, analyzed the tactical match-up before the live feed commenced.

Following the conclusion of the sporting final, the Deputy Prime Minister transitioned to a local community program, joining congregation members at Surau Al-Hamidiah for the Semarak Subuh dawn prayers to officially conclude the state-sponsored event.

-NMT