Saudi Arabia has officially been named the host of the 2034 FIFA Men's World Cup. The decision came after an online FIFA Congress vote by acclamation, as Saudi Arabia was the sole bidder for the tournament.
The announcement coincided with the finalization of hosting rights for the centenary 2030 World Cup, which will be principally co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. In a nod to history, the opening match of the 2030 tournament will take place in Uruguay, the inaugural host of the 1930 World Cup. Subsequent games will be held in Argentina and Paraguay, before the remainder of the tournament shifts to the primary host nations.
This arrangement, confirmed in October 2023, cleared the path for Saudi Arabia's solo hosting of the 2034 World Cup. Saudi Arabia expressed its intent to bid on the same day the 2030 agreement was made public. FIFA then restricted additional expressions of interest to nations from the Asian and Oceania confederations, with Australia—the only potential challenger—officially withdrawing from contention on October 31, 2023.
The Football Association (FA) and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) both supported the 2030 and 2034 bids. The FA emphasized the importance of ensuring inclusivity and safety for all fans. “The FA board met with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation last month to discuss their bid in more detail,” an FA statement read. “We asked them to commit to ensuring all fans would be safe and welcome in Saudi Arabia in 2034—including LGBTQ+ fans. They assured us that they are fully committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all fans.”
The statement also highlighted FIFA's role in promoting diversity, inclusion, and respect for human rights. “Football is a global game and is for everyone. Hosting World Cups can be a catalyst for positive change, best delivered through collaboration with host nations.”
One significant logistical hurdle is the intense summer heat in Saudi Arabia, which makes hosting the tournament during traditional summer months unfeasible. While a winter schedule, similar to Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, seems likely, it is expected to face strong opposition from Europe’s domestic leagues, which are already embroiled in legal disputes with FIFA over scheduling disruptions.
Saudi Arabia’s sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al Faisal, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the kingdom, stating, “We intend to have an extraordinary version of the World Cup held in our kingdom.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed concerns about the bid, emphasizing the potential for positive change. “We are aware of critics and fears, and I fully trust our hosts to address all open points. Hosting a World Cup brings responsibilities, and we look forward to seeing social improvements and positive human rights impacts,” he said. “The world will, of course, be watching.”
The 2034 World Cup is set to be a landmark event for Saudi Arabia, with Gulf nation promising an exceptional tournament that reflects its growing influence in global sports. As the world anticipates the next chapter in football history, the kingdom faces significant scrutiny to deliver on its promises of inclusivity, safety, and human rights reforms.