In a historic decision, FIFA has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This marks the first time the Gulf nation will host the prestigious tournament, which will be held across 15 stadiums in five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and NEOM.
The announcement was made at the Extraordinary FIFA Congress held in Zurich, Switzerland, on December 11, 2024. The decision was reached by acclamation, with FIFA’s 211 member nations voting in favor of Saudi Arabia’s bid. This comes after a bidding process that saw Saudi Arabia as the sole candidate for the 2034 tournament.
The choice of Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup has not been without controversy. Critics have accused the kingdom of “sportswashing,” a term used to describe the practice of using sports to improve a country’s reputation amid criticism over human rights issues and environmental impact. Despite these concerns, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has emphasized that hosting the World Cup can accelerate positive changes in the country, including more freedoms and rights for women.
Saudi Arabia’s bid included ambitious plans for infrastructure development, with the construction of new stadiums and upgrades to existing ones. The tournament is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the country, boosting tourism and creating job opportunities.
The decision also means that the Middle East will host the World Cup for the second time in a decade, following Qatar’s successful edition.
