FIFA Confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup Host

FIFA is set to confirm Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup during a virtual congress, a decision criticized for its lack of transparency and contestability. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with preliminary matches in South America, which effectively barred other regions from bidding for 2034 due to FIFA's rotation rules. Saudi Arabia's rapid bid preparation, aided by a truncated application timeline, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates, mirroring concerns from Qatar's hosting in 2022. FIFA's close ties with Saudi Arabia, illustrated by lucrative sponsorship deals and recent tournaments hosted in the kingdom, further complicate the narrative surrounding this decision. The meeting is expected to approve the Saudi bid by a 'round of applause' rather than a formal vote, minimizing dissent. This controversial selection raises questions about the implications for both FIFA's governance and Saudi Arabia's global reputation amid ongoing scrutiny of its human rights record.