Currently reigning champs Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, eagerly await the next showdown.
In an unexpected turn of events, Saudi Arabia has become the likely venue for the men’s 2034 FIFA World Cup. Australia, initially considered a strong contender to host the games, decided not to throw its hat in the ring.
Football Australia announced their decision to abstain mere hours ahead of FIFA’s deadline for expressing interest in hosting the global event. Consequently, Saudi Arabia is the only country left in the bidding arena.
In an official statement, Football Australia said, “We have opted not to bid for the 2034 World Cup.” The governing body added that it would concentrate its energies on hosting the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup.
While the 2026 World Cup is slated to occur across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the 2030 edition will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
FIFA had earlier hinted that the 2034 tournament would be conducted in either Asia or Oceania. Given this framework, Australia was considered the sole significant competition to Saudi Arabia’s bid, which was officially declared shortly after FIFA’s announcement.
Though backed by the Asian Football Confederation, Saudi Arabia’s candidacy could stir up a hornet’s nest of controversy. The kingdom has been lambasted for human rights abuses, ranging from mass executions to infringements on women’s rights, as well as criminalizing homosexuality and stifling freedom of speech. Not to mention its military involvement in Yemen.
The 2018 assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, a US-based Saudi journalist and vocal critic of the Saudi government, also dented Saudi Arabia’s international image. Critics argue that the kingdom is using sports to distract from its beleaguered reputation, in a phenomenon known as ‘sportswashing.’
Just last week, Human Rights Watch chided FIFA, stating, “The prospect of FIFA granting Saudi Arabia hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup, despite the nation’s horrendous human rights record, reveals FIFA’s human rights commitments to be a farce.”
Amnesty International joined the choir on Tuesday, urging FIFA to extract “clear and binding commitments” on human rights from Saudi Arabia before making any final decisions.
The hosting of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar had similarly faced scrutiny for its approach to human rights and treatment of migrant workers.
Saudi Arabia’s enthusiasm for sports isn’t new. After acquiring Newcastle United in 2021 through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom has shown increasing interest in sports. Eddie Howe, Newcastle United’s manager, praised Saudi hospitality during their visits to Riyadh and Jeddah, citing them as positive indicators of how a Saudi-hosted World Cup might unfold.
Would this be another sports milestone for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has been the venue for numerous top-tier sporting events since 2018, covering football, Formula 1, golf, and boxing. Hosting the 2034 World Cup would undoubtedly be another feather in its already feathered cap.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, termed the World Cup bid as a “natural progression in our journey as a football-loving nation.”
The nation’s PIF has already acquired stakes in four leading football clubs—Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr. Star players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar have also joined the Saudi Pro League.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia entered the world of golf with the launch of the lucrative LIV Golf series in 2022 and even became a significant player in Formula 1, hosting its first race in 2021 as part of a long-term agreement.
But it’s not just the men making headlines; Saudi Arabia is eyeing the 2035 Women’s World Cup, having established a women’s football team last year.
It’s likely that if Saudi Arabia secures the 2034 World Cup, the tournament would take place during winter months to avoid the scorching summer heat. The kingdom also plans on updating its existing sports infrastructure instead of constructing new arenas, a move that’s expected to be more eco-friendly than Qatar’s approach.
So whether it’s a step in the right direction or a leap into a moral quagmire, one thing is for sure—Saudi Arabia is going all in on its sports ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 2034 FIFA World Cup
Why is Saudi Arabia likely to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup?
Saudi Arabia has become the probable host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup because Australia, which was considered a strong contender, decided not to bid for hosting the tournament. As a result, Saudi Arabia is now the only nation left in the bidding.
What was Australia’s reason for not bidding?
Football Australia announced that they would concentrate on hosting other events, such as the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup, instead of focusing on the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
How have human rights concerns impacted Saudi Arabia’s bid?
Human rights concerns could potentially make Saudi Arabia a controversial host. Critics point to the country’s record on human rights violations, including women’s rights abuses, criminalization of homosexuality, and freedom of speech issues. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called on FIFA to secure clear and binding human rights commitments from Saudi Arabia.
What other countries are hosting future World Cups?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 2030 edition will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
What is sportswashing and how is it related to Saudi Arabia?
Sportswashing is the practice of using sports to improve or distract from a country’s tarnished reputation. Critics argue that Saudi Arabia is engaging in sportswashing to divert attention from its human rights abuses.
How would the 2034 FIFA World Cup impact Saudi Arabia’s sports profile?
Hosting the World Cup would be a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia, adding to its growing list of hosted events in sports like football, Formula 1, golf, and boxing. It would be another feather in its sports cap, potentially impacting its global reputation positively or negatively, depending on how issues like human rights are managed.
Would the tournament take place in summer or winter?
Due to the extreme heat during the summer months in Saudi Arabia, it’s likely that the 2034 FIFA World Cup would be held in winter. This would also make the event more eco-friendly, as existing infrastructure could be modernized instead of building new stadiums.
Who are some high-profile players involved in Saudi Arabian football?
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Saudi Arabia has acquired stakes in four leading football clubs. High-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar have joined the Saudi Pro League, elevating the country’s football profile.
What events has Saudi Arabia hosted recently in the realm of sports?
Saudi Arabia has been a venue for numerous top-tier sporting events since 2018, covering football, Formula 1, golf, and boxing. The country will also stage the Club World Cup in December.
Has Saudi Arabia shown interest in women’s sports?
Yes, Saudi Arabia formed a women’s football team last year and is keen on hosting the 2035 Women’s World Cup. This shows a growing, albeit controversial, interest in women’s sports as well.
More about 2034 FIFA World Cup
- FIFA’s Official Statement on 2034 World Cup Host Bidding
- Football Australia’s Press Release on Not Bidding for 2034 World Cup
- Amnesty International’s Call for FIFA to Secure Human Rights Commitments
- Human Rights Watch Report on Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Its Role in Sports
- Overview of Sportswashing and Its Implications
- Recent Sporting Events Hosted by Saudi Arabia
- 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cup Host Nations
- Profile of High-Profile Players in Saudi Pro League
- Climate Considerations for Holding the World Cup in Saudi Arabia
8 comments
Hosting ain’t easy. US, Mexico and Canada together in 2026? Then Morocco, Spain and all for 2030? It’s a trend. Why didn’t Australia team up with someone?
Sportswashing, huh? Classic move. Let’s just hope FIFA makes em commit to some real change. Womens rights, freedom of speech and all that good stuff need attention.
if they’re modernizing existing stadiums and not building new ones, that’s already a win for the planet. Gotta give em some credit for that.
Woah, Saudi Arabia for the world cup? thats kinda wild but also got me thinkin bout all those human rights issues. FIFA needs to step up, ya know?
So Saudi’s like the new sports capital or what? F1, boxing, now football… they’re really diving into the sports world head first.
Ronaldo, Benzema, Neymar in Saudi league, now this? Saudi’s becoming a sports powerhouse for real. Just hope they dont neglect the tech and the tunes. Gotta have balance, man.
Australia dropping out is a huge surprise! Was really hoping to see some kangaroo action during the World Cup LOL. Guess it’s falcons and camels now.
Winter World Cup again? After Qatar? Well, at least they’re thinking bout the environment. Using existing infra is a good move, so not all bad I guess.