Soccer, often referred to as a beautiful game, has a unique power to unite people from different cultures, backgrounds, and nations. This power has been harnessed by countries to build bridges across borders and foster diplomacy, as demonstrated by historic Saudi Arabia versus Argentina match during the 2022 World Cup.
Uniting a Nation: The Saudi Arabia-Argentina Match
The match between Saudi Arabia and Argentina resulted in one of the biggest upsets in Argentina’s history, with the Saudi team emerging victorious. This event was so significant that Saudi ministries, government agencies, schools, and universities were directed to end working hours early so that people could watch the game. Following the victory, King Salman declared the next day a national holiday, showcasing the power of soccer to unite a nation.
Saudi Vision 2030: Prioritizing Sports for Diplomacy and Development
In 2016, Saudi Arabia prioritized sports as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, with the goal of making the Kingdom a regional center for top professional sporting events. This focus on sports has crucial implications for the country, such as job creation and economic growth. According to the 2020 Ministry of Sports report, the sports sector created more than fourteen thousand jobs that year, generating 36.9 million Saudi riyals ($9.8 million) in ticketing revenue and visitor spending. The sports sector also contributes to hotel spending and the hospitality industry, further bolstering the economy.
The Global Impact of Soccer Diplomacy
Soccer diplomacy is not limited to Saudi Arabia; it has been used by countries worldwide to foster international relations and goodwill. For example, the United States and Iran held a friendly soccer match in 1998, which helped ease tensions between the two nations. Similarly, the 1990 World Cup match between West Germany and East Germany took place just months before the fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the reunification of the two countries.
Conclusion: The Unifying Power of Soccer
As demonstrated by the Saudi Arabia-Argentina match and other historic events, soccer has the power to unite people all over the world. By prioritizing sports and harnessing the power of soccer diplomacy, countries can build bridges across borders, foster international relations, and promote peace and understanding among nations.