Saudi Arabia Awarded Hosting Rights for 2034 FIFA World Cup

Our reporter

FIFA made its long-awaited announcement on Wednesday, confirming Saudi Arabia as the official host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The decision, while expected by many, has sparked debate and controversy across the globe, particularly concerning the Kingdom's human rights record and the rapid pace at which its bid was approved.

 

Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans for the tournament include the construction of 15 state-of-the-art stadiums across multiple cities, including Jeddah, Abha, Al Khobar, and Neom. The centerpiece of the competition will be a massive 92,000-seat venue in Riyadh, with a total of 104 matches set to take place across the country. However, the bid has faced criticism due to the fact that many of the planned stadiums—eight in total—have yet to be built.

 

FIFA’s approval of the bid has raised eyebrows, with critics arguing that the selection is part of a broader strategy by the Saudi government to “sports-wash” its reputation, using high-profile international events like the World Cup to distract from its human rights concerns. Human rights organizations have long accused the Kingdom of repressing political dissent, limiting freedom of expression, and failing to address issues like gender inequality.

 

Despite these concerns, FIFA has defended its decision, stating that hosting the World Cup in Saudi Arabia could spur positive change in the region and drive economic development. Supporters of the bid argue that the tournament could showcase Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts, with investments in infrastructure, sports, and tourism.

 

The announcement sets the stage for what will undoubtedly be a decade of intense scrutiny leading up to the tournament in 2034. As Saudi Arabia works to develop its sports and entertainment sector, questions about the true motivations behind the bid—and its potential long-term impact on the country’s image—are likely to remain central to the conversation.

 

For now, Saudi Arabia is focused on delivering a World Cup that promises to be a monumental occasion for both the Kingdom and the sport, but the road to 2034 may be a contentious one.