Saudi Arabia became the sole bidder for 2034 in a contentious process that combined decisions for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments into a single vote.
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has officially confirmed that Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will co-host the 2030 World Cup football tournament, with the opening three matches staged in South America.
FIFA also confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 World Cup tournament, noting that both bids were uncontested and ratified during an online FIFA Congress on Wednesday, with support from the English and Welsh Football Associations.
Saudi Arabia became the sole bidder for 2034 in a contentious process that combined decisions for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments into a single vote.
Delegates were forced to either support or reject both bids without separate voting options, Sky Sports News reports.
The 2030 World Cup will commemorate the tournament’s centenary, with matches spread across six countries on three continents.
The first three games will take place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, celebrating the competition’s roots. The rest of the tournament will be hosted in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 World Cup has drawn significant criticism, with accusations of “sportswashing” aimed at improving the authoritarian regime’s international reputation.
Critics have highlighted Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record, including the criminalization of homosexuality, restrictions on free speech, and limited women’s rights.
Despite these concerns, FIFA’s evaluation team awarded Saudi Arabia’s bid its highest-ever score and categorized it as “medium risk” for human rights, a conclusion Amnesty International called “an astonishing whitewash.”
Saudi Arabia, hosting the World Cup for the first time, is bolstering its growing presence in global sports.
The nation already hosts events like Formula 1, boxing, golf, and tennis, and its Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched LIV Golf and acquired Premier League club Newcastle United.
The 2034 tournament will also mark the first time the expanded 48-team World Cup will be held in a single country.
This contrasts with the 2026 tournament, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Saudi Arabia’s uncontested bid followed FIFA’s rotational hosting policy, which limited 2034 eligibility to nations in Asia or Oceania.
Australia initially expressed interest but withdrew by October 31, leaving Saudi Arabia as the sole candidate.
The decision has sparked logistical concerns, particularly regarding the extreme summer temperatures in Saudi Arabia, which exceed 40°C during June and July when the World Cup is traditionally held.
FIFA’s report suggests milder conditions between October and April, but staging the tournament during those months would clash with domestic football leagues.
The Premier League and other European competitions have already voiced opposition to a winter tournament, citing potential fixture disruptions and increased strain due to the tournament’s expansion.
Amnesty International has also raised alarms about the lack of human rights protections in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Amnesty’s Steve Cockburn criticized FIFA for failing to secure labor and human rights guarantees before awarding the tournament.
He warned of exploitation risks for hundreds of thousands of migrant workers involved in World Cup preparations, potential forced evictions for construction projects, and the dangers faced by residents and fans, particularly those advocating for their rights.
“This is an extremely dangerous decision. FIFA has failed to uphold its own human rights requirements, putting countless people at risk of exploitation, discrimination, and oppression,” Cockburn said.
