FIFA Announces Saudi Arabia as Host of the 2034 World Cup
FIFA officially announced on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant moment in global football. The Saudi bid was the only proposal received, and it garnered widespread support from over 200 FIFA member federations.
These federations participated in an online congress meeting convened in Zurich by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, where the decision was made.
The announcement of Saudi Arabia’s successful bid coincided with the approval of the 2030 World Cup hosts. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco were selected to co-host the 2030 tournament as part of a unique six-nation collaboration. In addition, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will each host one of the 104 World Cup matches. The South American connection will serve as a tribute to Uruguay, which hosted the inaugural World Cup in 1930, marking the 100th anniversary of that historic event.
FIFA President Infantino celebrated the result of the vote, which was overwhelmingly in favor of Saudi Arabia. “The vote of the congress is loud and clear,” Infantino said. During the online session, he asked officials to demonstrate their support by clapping their hands at head level, a symbolic gesture to underscore the enthusiasm for Saudi Arabia’s bid.
The decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup concludes a 15-month bidding process that was largely unclear and lacked significant competition. Infantino guided the process toward Saudi Arabia without any other competing bids and without conducting a traditional question-and-answer session with potential host nations. This has raised concerns among human rights organizations, who worry that the tournament could endanger the safety and rights of migrant workers, a key issue in the country’s ongoing labor reform discussions.
In response to these concerns, both FIFA and Saudi officials have emphasized that hosting the World Cup could be a catalyst for positive social change, particularly in areas such as women’s rights and freedoms. Infantino expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to host a successful tournament, stating, “I fully trust our hosts to address all open points in this process and deliver a World Cup that meets the world’s expectations.” He also highlighted the potential of the World Cup to promote unity and progress, calling it a “unique catalyst for positive social change.”
Despite the excitement around the World Cup being awarded to Saudi Arabia, the decision has sparked significant debate, particularly regarding the nation’s human rights record. However, FIFA’s optimism about the potential benefits of the tournament, particularly in advancing social reforms, remains central to the narrative surrounding the 2034 World Cup.
