Fifa confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup hosts

FIFA has officially confirmed the host nations for the upcoming men's football World Cups, with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 edition, while Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will jointly host the 2030 tournament.

In a historic move to commemorate the centenary of the World Cup, three matches of the 2030 tournament will also be held in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The confirmation came during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress meeting on Wednesday, where all 211 FIFA member nations participated via video link.

The decision for the 2034 World Cup was made following a vote, with Saudi Arabia awarded the honor, while the first vote confirmed Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina as hosts for the centenary celebrations. FIFA’s Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom noted that all member nations had effectively cast their votes before the congress, with claps on video as the form of acclamation for both selections.

While the bids from Spain/Portugal/Morocco (2030) and Saudi Arabia (2034) were technically strong, some nations voiced concerns about the process and human rights. The English Football Association supported the bids, emphasizing the importance of fan safety and enjoyment. However, Norway abstained from voting due to concerns over the bidding process, not the specific choice of hosts.

Amnesty International criticized the decision to hold the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, warning of potential human rights abuses, particularly against workers. The Football Supporters' Association echoed these concerns, highlighting issues related to LGBT+ rights and the overall supporter experience in Saudi Arabia.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the criticisms, assuring that the hosts would work towards ensuring positive social improvements and human rights impacts as part of their responsibility in hosting the World Cup.