Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup has been officially confirmed, marking a significant milestone for the Middle Eastern country. This announcement comes after the successful hosting of the 2022 edition by Qatar, making Saudi Arabia the second nation in the region to stage the prestigious tournament.
The decision was finalized during a virtual meeting of over 200 FIFA member federations, presided over by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich, Switzerland. In addition to awarding Saudi Arabia the hosting rights for 2034, the meeting also revealed the hosts for the 2030 World Cup. This edition will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, along with three centenary hosts—Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, in honor of the tournament’s 100th anniversary. Uruguay, the first-ever World Cup host and champion in 1930, will play a symbolic role in commemorating this historic milestone.
The 2034 World Cup is set to make history as the first 48-team tournament hosted by a single country. Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to host matches in 15 state-of-the-art stadiums across five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and the futuristic city of Neom. The King Salman Stadium in Riyadh, with a proposed capacity of 92,000, is slated to host both the opening and final matches, pending its completion.
Despite Saudi Arabia’s track record of successfully hosting major international events such as the Formula One Grand Prix, heavyweight boxing matches, and the LIV golf circuit, the Kingdom’s bid has not been immune to criticism. Human rights concerns have been raised, mirroring the issues faced during Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup. Additionally, the extreme heat in the region has raised questions about the tournament’s scheduling. Qatar’s winter World Cup disrupted domestic football calendars, and similar challenges may arise for Saudi Arabia.
As preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia continue, it is clear that the Kingdom is determined to showcase its capabilities on the global stage. The tournament promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together football fans from around the world to celebrate the beautiful game.
