Saudi Arabia is on track to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup after the governing body approved the nation’s human rights report. FIFA announced the approval early Saturday, effectively clearing the way for Saudi Arabia’s unchallenged bid to be formally confirmed at the FIFA Congress on December 11.
The report, conducted by FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom, awarded Saudi Arabia a score of 4.2 out of 5. FIFA clarified that the evaluation was based on how Saudi Arabia would handle human rights issues directly connected to hosting the tournament. Areas of focus included migrant labor rights, gender equality, disability access, child protection, and press freedoms. The report did not address broader human rights concerns in the country.
Historical Context
If officially confirmed, Saudi Arabia will become the second Middle Eastern nation to host the World Cup, following Qatar’s hosting in 2022. That tournament, held in December, saw Lionel Messi’s Argentina triumph over Kylian Mbappé’s France to claim their third World Cup title.
Unlike Qatar, which faced stiff competition from the United States, South Korea, Japan, and Australia for hosting rights, Saudi Arabia will have no rivals at the FIFA Congress vote. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been a vocal supporter of bringing the World Cup to Saudi Arabia, with aspirations of seeing Messi involved in some capacity at the tournament.
Broader Implications
FIFA also finalized its evaluations of the joint bids for the 2030 centennial World Cup. The tournament will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with additional matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup’s inception. The European and African co-hosts received an average rating of 4.2, while the South American co-hosts averaged 3.6—both sufficient to secure approval.
Did You Know?
Saudi Arabia’s likely selection for 2034 comes amid a broader trend of expanding football’s global reach, with an increasing focus on non-traditional markets. The nation has invested heavily in sports, aiming to enhance its international profile through high-profile events and talent acquisitions in various leagues.
Looking Ahead
The next FIFA World Cup will take place in 2026, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 2030 centennial edition will span continents, with Morocco, Portugal, and Spain as primary hosts and additional matches in South America. Saudi Arabia’s formal confirmation for 2034 is expected at the FIFA Congress in December, signaling the start of preparations for a landmark tournament in the Middle East.
SOURCE: Goal.com
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