Kristian Coates Ulrichsen is Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. His books with Hurst include Insecure Gulf and Centers of Power in the Arab Gulf States. He supports West Ham.

'As football fans the world over contend with the ever-expanding role of Gulf states in shaping the state of the game, Kingdom of Football provides an essential exploration of Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global football powerhouse. This impressive book offers a far-reaching view of the future World Cup host.'

• Acknowledgments List of Abbreviations Introduction 1. A brief history of football in Saudi Arabia 2. Mohammed bin Salman, a prince in a hurry 3. Vision 2030 and the Public Investment Fund 4. Rebranding Saudi Arabia as a destination 5. The 2023 breakthrough 6. The sportswashing debate 7. Will vision become reality? 8. The road to 2034 Bibliography Index

Kristian Coates Ulrichsen is Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. His books with Hurst include Insecure Gulf and Centers of Power in the Arab Gulf States. He supports West Ham.

'As football fans the world over contend with the ever-expanding role of Gulf states in shaping the state of the game, Kingdom of Football provides an essential exploration of Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global football powerhouse. This impressive book offers a far-reaching view of the future World Cup host.'

• Acknowledgments List of Abbreviations Introduction 1. A brief history of football in Saudi Arabia 2. Mohammed bin Salman, a prince in a hurry 3. Vision 2030 and the Public Investment Fund 4. Rebranding Saudi Arabia as a destination 5. The 2023 breakthrough 6. The sportswashing debate 7. Will vision become reality? 8. The road to 2034 Bibliography Index

Kristian Coates Ulrichsen is Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. His books with Hurst include Insecure Gulf and Centers of Power in the Arab Gulf States. He supports West Ham.

'As football fans the world over contend with the ever-expanding role of Gulf states in shaping the state of the game, Kingdom of Football provides an essential exploration of Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global football powerhouse. This impressive book offers a far-reaching view of the future World Cup host.'

• Acknowledgments List of Abbreviations Introduction 1. A brief history of football in Saudi Arabia 2. Mohammed bin Salman, a prince in a hurry 3. Vision 2030 and the Public Investment Fund 4. Rebranding Saudi Arabia as a destination 5. The 2023 breakthrough 6. The sportswashing debate 7. Will vision become reality? 8. The road to 2034 Bibliography Index