The confirmation came during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress held in Zurich, Switzerland, where FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced Saudi Arabia's successful bid. This selection positions Saudi Arabia as the second Middle Eastern country to host the World Cup, following Qatar's hosting in 2022. Infantino expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia's capability to deliver a "spectacular" tournament, highlighting the nation's commitment to developing world-class sporting infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia's journey to securing the World Cup hosting rights involved a strategic and expedited bidding process. In October 2023, FIFA opened the bidding exclusively to member associations from the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation, aligning with its confederation rotation policy. Saudi Arabia promptly submitted its bid, emerging as the sole candidate after potential competitors, including Australia, withdrew from the race. This unopposed bid led to FIFA's formal announcement on December 11, 2024, confirming Saudi Arabia as the 2034 host.
The Kingdom's successful bid is part of a broader strategy to diversify its economy and enhance its global image through sports and entertainment. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has invested over $6 billion in the sports sector, hosting events such as Formula 1 races, boxing matches, and tennis tournaments. These efforts aim to position Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for international sports, fostering economic growth and tourism.
However, the decision to award the World Cup to Saudi Arabia has sparked criticism from human rights organizations. Amnesty International expressed concerns over potential human rights violations, urging FIFA to implement measures that protect labor and civil rights during the tournament's preparation and execution. The organization emphasized the need for credible reforms to mitigate risks associated with hosting the event.
In response to these concerns, Saudi authorities have pledged to uphold international standards and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in the World Cup preparations. The government has initiated reforms aimed at improving labor conditions and enhancing human rights, though critics argue that further actions are necessary to address systemic issues.
The 2034 World Cup is expected to feature matches across multiple cities in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and the futuristic city of Neom. Neom, a $1 trillion mega-project, is envisioned as a high-tech urban hub and a centerpiece of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts. Despite reports of challenges faced by workers during its construction, Neom is slated to play a significant role in hosting World Cup events.
FIFA's decision to award the World Cup to Saudi Arabia also reflects the organization's strategic interests in expanding football's global reach. By selecting a Middle Eastern nation with substantial financial resources and a commitment to sports development, FIFA aims to tap into new markets and audiences, further globalizing the sport.