FIFA has officially announced Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 World Cup, highlighting the Gulf kingdom’s growing influence in global sports despite persistent criticism of its human rights record.
The decision, made during FIFA’s virtual Congress on Wednesday, came as Saudi Arabia stood as the sole bidder for the event after other potential candidates withdrew.
Saudi Sports Minister Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal al Saud described the announcement as a proud moment for the kingdom. “It is a day of celebration and an opportunity to invite the world to experience an extraordinary version of the World Cup in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and non-discrimination. He expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to deliver a tournament that meets expectations while addressing concerns surrounding human rights. “Social improvements and positive human rights impacts are responsibilities of hosting a World Cup,” Infantino stated.
The Saudi bid faced immediate condemnation from human rights groups, who criticized FIFA for ignoring warnings about the risks to migrant workers and residents. A joint statement by Amnesty International and 20 other organizations declared the decision a “moment of great danger,” accusing FIFA of turning a blind eye to issues like worker exploitation, mass executions, and restrictions on women’s rights in the conservative kingdom.
“Based on clear evidence, FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia,” said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty’s Head of Labour Rights and Sport.
Despite the criticism, the English Football Association said it had received assurances from Saudi officials that LGBTQ fans would be “safe and welcome” at the event.
FIFA’s principle of rotating World Cup hosts between continents limited bids for 2034 to Asia and Oceania. Saudi Arabia emerged as the sole contender after Australia and Indonesia dropped their bids, clearing the path for the Gulf nation to host the tournament just 12 years after neighboring Qatar staged the 2022 World Cup.
Meanwhile, FIFA also confirmed that the 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, with three opening games in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to mark the tournament’s centenary. This unprecedented arrangement involves three continental confederations—Europe, Africa, and South America.
Morocco’s successful bid makes it the second African country to host the tournament, following South Africa in 2010. The North African nation joins Spain and Portugal in organizing most of the matches, with potential final venues including Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona’s renovated Camp Nou, and the planned Hassan II Stadium in Morocco, set to host up to 115,000 spectators.
The confirmation of Saudi Arabia as a World Cup host underscores the nation’s broader efforts to position itself as a global sports hub. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom has invested heavily in sports, hosting major events and acquiring stakes in global leagues, a move critics describe as “sportswashing” to divert attention from its human rights record.
Despite the criticism, the 2034 World Cup presents Saudi Arabia with an opportunity to reshape its international image. With FIFA’s backing, the kingdom will aim to host a memorable tournament while addressing the concerns raised by rights groups.
Source: AFP.
