Saudi Arabia have been officially confirmed as the World Cup hosts for 2034 edition following a FIFA congress on Wednesday.
The Saudi bid was the only candidate and was acclaimed by the applause of more than 200 FIFA member federations during the online meeting in Zurich that was hosted by the footballing body’s president Gianni Infantino.
In addition to the 2034 World Cup, the preceding 2030 tournament was decided with Morocco, Portugal and Spain confirmed as the hosts.
The trio will co-host in a six-nation project, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay each getting one of the 104 games.
The South American connection will mark the centenary of Uruguay hosting the first World Cup in 1930.
Saudi Arabia success controversy
The decisions complete a mostly opaque 15-month bid process which Infantino helped steer toward Saudi Arabia without a rival candidate, without taking questions, and which human rights groups warn will put the lives of migrant workers at risk.
‘We look forward to hosting an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the FIFA World Cup by harnessing our strengths and capabilities to bring joy to football fans around the world,’ Prince Mohammed said in a statement.
FIFA and Saudi officials have said hosting the 2034 tournament can accelerate change, including more freedoms and rights for women, with Infantino on Wednesday calling the World Cup a ‘unique catalyst for positive social change and unity.’
‘I fully trust our hosts to address all open points in this process, and deliver a World Cup that meets the world’s expectations,’ the FIFA president said.
FIFA have made a ‘reckless decision’, insist rights groups
An international collective of rights groups said FIFA made a ‘reckless decision’ to approve Saudi Arabia without getting public assurances, and the Football Supporters Europe group said it was “the day football truly lost its mind.’
A fast-track path to victory was cleared last year by FIFA accepting the three-continent hosting plan for the 2030 World Cup. It meant only soccer federations in Asia and Oceania were eligible for the 2034 contest, and FIFA gave countries less than four weeks to declare a bid. Only Saudi Arabia did.
The win will kick off a decade of scrutiny on Saudi labour laws and treatment of workers mostly from South Asia needed to help build and upgrade 15 stadiums, plus hotels and transport networks ahead of the 104-game tournament.
Amnesty International said awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia represents ‘a moment of great danger’ for human rights.
‘FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk,’ said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Labor Rights and Sport.’
Unclear when 2034 World Cup will be played
The November-December slot taken by Qatar in 2022 to avoid extreme midsummer heat is complicated in 2034 by the holy month of Ramadan through mid-December and Riyadh hosting the multi-sport Asian Games.
Still, January 2034 could be an option – and likely better for European clubs and leagues -after the International Olympic Committee said it saw few issues in clashing with the Salt Lake Winter Games opening February 10, 2034. The IOC also has a major commercial deal with Saudi Arabia, to host the new Esports Olympics.
