FIFA’s decision ensures a return to the Gulf region, just 12 years after Qatar 2022.
Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, following confirmation by football’s governing body today. The announcement came as part of a virtual FIFA Congress, which also ratified the joint bid from Morocco, Spain, and Portugal to host the 2030 tournament.
The Saudi bid faced no competition after Australia and Indonesia withdrew, paving the way for the kingdom to bring the World Cup back to the Gulf region.
Saudi Arabia’s growing sports profile
The decision further underscores Saudi Arabia’s rapid rise as a global sports hub. The kingdom has hosted events including a Formula 1 Grand Prix, heavyweight boxing clashes, and the LIV Golf tour, as well as securing the rights to the WTA Finals.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has spearheaded this push, using sport to bolster Saudi Arabia’s international image—a strategy critics label “sportswashing” due to ongoing concerns over the nation’s human rights record.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to football, saying, “This is a country that is embracing the game and demonstrating the potential to deliver a fantastic tournament.”
Challenges remain
Despite the triumph, Saudi Arabia faces significant hurdles. The country currently has just two FIFA-compliant stadiums with the required 40,000-seat capacity, well short of the 14 needed to stage the tournament. Saudi officials have pledged major investment to address these gaps and deliver a world-class World Cup.
Spotlight on 2030
The 2030 tournament will also be historic, with matches played across three continents. In addition to the main hosts—Morocco, Spain, and Portugal—opening games will take place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to mark the centenary of the inaugural World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930.
“This unique hosting model reflects football’s unifying power,” Infantino said.
Looking ahead
For Saudi Arabia, hosting the 2034 World Cup will mark a crowning achievement in its efforts to establish itself as a major player in global sport. However, questions remain about how quickly the kingdom can deliver the infrastructure required for the world’s biggest sporting event.
