Saudi Arabia Confirmed as 2034 FIFA World Cup Hosts
FIFA has officially announced that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 men’s football World Cup. Meanwhile, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will serve as joint hosts for the 2030 tournament, with three matches also scheduled in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to mark the centenary of the competition.
Key Decisions at the Extraordinary FIFA Congress
The decisions were finalized during Wednesday’s Extraordinary FIFA Congress, where all 211 member nations participated via video link. Votes for both tournaments were conducted by “acclamation,” with representatives clapping in front of their cameras to signify agreement. FIFA confirmed that member associations had already cast their votes before the congress.
- 2030 World Cup: Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina will host three centenary matches, while Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will share the remainder of the tournament.
- 2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia was unanimously approved as the sole host.
Mixed Reactions and Concerns
While the decisions faced little opposition during the congress, there were some notable responses:
- Norway abstained from voting, citing concerns about FIFA’s bidding process.
- Switzerland’s football association approved Saudi Arabia’s bid but urged FIFA to monitor human rights and labor conditions in collaboration with the International Labour Organization.
- The Danish Football Union (DBU) expressed support for the bids but criticized the lack of competition in the bidding process and called for FIFA to oversee human rights improvements.
Jesper Moller, DBU chairman, remarked, “We would have liked to see more bids for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups, and we are critical of the overall process.”
Saudi Arabia’s Controversial Bid
The decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup has drawn criticism from human rights advocates. The kingdom has faced allegations of “sportswashing,” using its significant investments in sports to counter its controversial human rights record and environmental impact.
Out of 15 proposed venues for the 2034 tournament, only four stadiums have been built so far, raising questions about the readiness of the infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
As preparations begin for both tournaments, FIFA faces increasing scrutiny to ensure that its hosting decisions align with ethical standards and global expectations.
