FIFA has officially announced that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, marking a historic milestone for the Kingdom. The decision came during an extraordinary general congress on Wednesday, where the 2030 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain with three additional matches in South America, was also confirmed.
Saudi Arabia, the sole bidder for the 2034 tournament, celebrated this monumental achievement as part of its broader Vision 2030 initiative. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud expressed pride in the Kingdom’s journey of transformation, stating, “This is a dream come true for all our 32 million people who simply love the game.”
The event will require the construction of eight new stadiums to accommodate the tournament, as Saudi Arabia has never hosted an event of this scale. FIFA’s expanded 48-team format ensures automatic qualification for all host nations, including Saudi Arabia.
FIFA’s decision has not been without criticism. Organizations such as Amnesty International and migrant workers’ advocacy groups have raised concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. In a joint statement, they condemned FIFA for awarding the tournament without ensuring human rights protections, labeling the decision as “reckless.”
Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s head of labor rights and sport, stated, “FIFA’s move to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia puts lives at risk without guarantees of human rights protections.”
The 2030 World Cup will be held across six nations on three continents, commemorating the tournament’s 100th anniversary. Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina will host one match each, including the opening game at Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium, the site of the inaugural World Cup final in 1930.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called it a “celebration of football’s legacy,” stating, “What better way to celebrate the 100th anniversary than with a World Cup spanning continents and cultures?”
Saudi Arabia faces significant logistical challenges, including constructing venues and accommodating the newly expanded tournament format. FIFA must also address scheduling conflicts, as the 2034 World Cup is expected to take place during winter, potentially disrupting major European leagues like the Premier League and LaLiga.
