In a move that has sparked both excitement and concern, Saudi Arabia has been officially confirmed as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The decision was made at an online FIFA Congress, with the English, Scottish, and Welsh Football Associations supporting the bid.
Member nations present during the zoom session indicated their support by clapping to show it was a unanimous decision, per Matt Slater (The Athletic).
This will be the first time Saudi Arabia hosts the prestigious tournament, and it’s also the first time the expanded 48-team tournament will be held in a single country.
The 2034 World Cup is expected to take place in five cities across Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom, with 15 stadiums set to host the matches.
However, the decision to award Saudi Arabia the hosting rights has been met with criticism due to the country’s human rights record.
Amnesty International has described FIFA’s report on Saudi Arabia’s bid as “an astonishing whitewash”.
Despite the controversy, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has assured the FA that they are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all fans, including LGBTQ+ fans.
The 2034 World Cup is expected to take place in the winter months to avoid the scorching summer heat in Saudi Arabia.
This has raised concerns among European leagues, who may oppose any attempts to stage the tournament during the winter.
As the football world looks forward to the 2034 World Cup, it remains to be seen how Saudi Arabia will address the concerns surrounding its human rights record and ensure a successful and inclusive tournament.
