FIFA confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This decision was made during a virtual FIFA Congress, where it was also announced that Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will co-host the 2030 World Cup to mark its centenary. The 2034 tournament will be the first time the expanded 48-team format will be held in a single country.
Expectations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup
Saudi Arabia’s bid received the highest score from FIFA’s bid evaluation team, reflecting the country’s growing influence in the world of sports. The bid is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and promote tourism and entertainment. The kingdom has been investing heavily in sports, hosting events like Formula 1, LIV Golf, and the Dakar Rally.
The 2034 World Cup will feature matches across 15 stadiums in five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and Neom. The opening and final matches are planned for a 92,000-seater stadium in Riyadh. The tournament dates are yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to avoid the traditional June-July period due to the extreme heat in Saudi Arabia.
The decision has sparked some controversy, with critics pointing to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the lack of a competitive bidding process. However, FIFA has stated that human rights considerations were part of the evaluation process.
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