Saudi Arabia To Host 2034 FIFA World Cup
FIFA has officially confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, marking a historical moment in the kingdom’s push to establish itself as a global sports powerhouse. This decision comes on the heels of Saudi Arabia being the only bidder for the tournament after FIFA expedited the bidding process, inviting significant scrutiny and mixed reactions. This will be the second time in two decades an Asian country is going to host FIFA World Cup, one of the most coveted sports events in the world. The 2022 FIFA World Cup was hosted by Saudi’s neighbour Qatar, a small yet affluent nation on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, which is known for its remarkable economic development, cultural heritage, and global influence, particularly in sports and diplomacy.
The announcement solidifies Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the football world, following its ownership of Premier League club Newcastle United and attracting stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., and Karim Benzema to its domestic league. Saudi Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, frames the tournament as part of a broader strategy to diversify the nation’s economy and project itself as a leader on the global stage.
Saudi Arabia promises a monumental effort to host the event, committing to massive infrastructure projects including the construction and renovation of 11 stadiums, 185,000 hotel rooms, and other facilities. The World Cup will be staged in five cities, with Riyadh featuring prominently as the venue for eight stadiums. Due to extreme summer temperatures and the proximity of Ramadan, the tournament is likely to be held in January and February 2034, echoing Qatar’s 2022 winter schedule.
The decision, however, has sparked significant controversy. Human rights organisations have criticised FIFA for awarding the tournament to a nation with a history of suppressing women’s rights, LGBTQ+ freedoms, and worker protections. Critics argue the choice undermines FIFA’s stated commitments to human rights and inclusivity. Rodney Dixon KC, a prominent legal advocate, called on FIFA to demand reforms from Saudi Arabia, including the release of political prisoners, better treatment of migrant workers, and protection for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.
Saudi officials, meanwhile, have framed the World Cup as a transformative opportunity. The kingdom’s bid document emphasised a “human rights approach” and promised a tournament with meaningful social impact. However, sceptics remain unconvinced, citing FIFA’s leniency in the bidding process, which allowed countries with fewer existing facilities to compete.
In related news, FIFA also ratified the 2030 World Cup hosts, naming Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as joint organisers, with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay each hosting one match to commemorate the tournament’s centenary. Environmental concerns were raised about the multi-continental setup, which FIFA acknowledged could have “significant negative impacts” on the climate.
