2034 FIFA World Cup Hosts Decided: How Did Saudi Arabia Win Hosting Rights?

Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the host nation for the men's 2034 FIFA World Cup, following Australia's decision to withdraw its bid just hours before the deadline for declarations of interest on Tuesday, according to BBC Sports.

For the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain are the only bidders, with matches also set to be played in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

FIFA is scheduled to confirm the hosts for both tournaments in late 2024.

The 2026 World Cup is slated to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, demonstrating FIFA's commitment to making football a truly global sport.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the unifying power of football, particularly in a world marked by division and aggression.

Football Australia has chosen to shift its focus towards hosting the Women's Asian Cup in 2026 and the Club World Cup in 2029, following its decision not to bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA had previously announced that the 2034 World Cup would be held in Asia or Oceania, and Saudi Arabia emerged as the sole contender after swiftly expressing its intention to bid following FIFA's decision.

While the final confirmation of Saudi Arabia as the host is pending, it is expected to be a mere formality.

2034 FIFA World Cup Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup is part of the nation's broader strategy to establish itself as a significant player in global sports, per Al Jazeera.

This includes significant investments in star footballers for their domestic league, the acquisition of English club Newcastle, the launch of the LIV Golf tour, and the hosting of major boxing events.

The fast-tracking of the 2034 hosting race by FIFA, which limited bids to member federations in Asia and Oceania, provided interested parties with a tight timeline of less than four weeks to enter the race and an additional month to secure government support.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced its plans to bid shortly after FIFA's announcement, with the Asian Football Confederation backing the kingdom's efforts.

In preparation for hosting the World Cup, Saudi Arabia is also set to host the men's Asian Cup in 2027 and has embarked on an extensive construction program to build and renovate stadiums, which are expected to be utilized for the tournament.

FIFA's bidding requirements stipulate the need for 14 stadiums to accommodate the 48-team tournament.

Saudi Arabia's Sports Minister, Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, expressed the significance of hosting the World Cup as a pivotal milestone in the country's transformation and a testament to its growing stature in the world of sports.

Saudi Arabia Reacts to 'Sportswashing' Issue

Saudi Arabia's efforts to host major sports events have not been without controversy, CNN noted.

The nation has faced criticism for its sportswashing initiatives, including hosting Formula One and boxing events, and its investments in the LIV Golf Tour and the Saudi Pro League, which have lured numerous soccer stars to Saudi Arabian clubs.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has openly acknowledged the term "sportswashing" but remains undeterred, emphasizing the economic benefits of such initiatives, even in the face of criticism.

In response, the Sports & Rights Alliance, a global coalition of nine human rights and anti-corruption advocates in sports, has called on FIFA to ensure human rights protections for the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Bert Hoover

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