Saudi Arabia confirmed as hosts for 2034 FIFA World Cup; FIFA approves 2030 edition hosts too

FIFA on Wednesday confirmed sole bidder Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 men’s World Cup. The confirmation came in a virtual meeting of more than 200 FIFA member federations hosted by President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday. The governing body of football also officially approved the only candidate to host the 2030 World Cup.

Spain, Portuga, and Morocco 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.

“We are bringing football to more countries and the number of teams has not diluted the quality. It actually enhanced the opportunity,” Infantino said about the 2030 World Cup.

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“What better way to celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2030 than to have the World Cup in six countries, in three continents, with 48 teams and 104 epic matches. The world will stand still and will celebrate the 100 years of the World Cup.

“Congratulations to all the bidders for putting up a great dossier, but I would like to put on record my big, big thank you to the six confederation presidents and to their teams,” he added.

What’s the criticism against the bids?

The decision completes a mostly opaque 15-month bid process which FIFA president 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.

FIFA and Saudi officials say hosting the 2034 tournament can accelerate change, including more freedoms and rights for women.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has ushered in a new era for our nation, guiding our people’s dreams and aspirations.#WelcomeToSaudi34 pic.twitter.com/HhJ85xMDCU

— Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034™️ (@Saudi2034) December 11, 2024

On Tuesday, the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) said it would vote against the awarding of hosting rights by acclamation and criticised FIFA’s bidding process, saying it was “flawed and inconsistent”.

Amnesty International and the Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA) last month urged FIFA to halt the process to pick Saudi Arabia as hosts unless it announces major reforms before the vote.

The Kingdom has invested heavily in sport over the last few years, although critics, including women’s rights groups and members of the LGBTQ community, allege it is using its Public Investment Fund to sportswash its human rights record.

Following the confirmation of Saudi Arabia as hosts of the 2034 World Cup, 21 organizations including the Amnesty, Saudi diaspora human rights organizations, migrant workers’ groups from Nepal and Kenya and international trade unions, published a joint statement condemning the move.

“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,” Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Labour Rights and Sport, said in the statement on Wednesday.

The country denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws.

Saudi Arabia has also never previously hosted a tournament of this magnitude, and will have to construct eight stadiums that will be used for the event.

2030 bid also faces heat

The decision to host the 2030 World Cup across three continents has also come under criticism. Climate activists have slammed FIFA for an arrangement that will lead to increased emissions from the extra travel required.

FIFA has said it will take measures to “mitigate the environmental impact”.

With agency inputs