Saudi Arabia to Host 2034 World Cup as Australia Opts Out of Bidding In a surprising turn of events, Football Australia has officially announced its decision not to bid for the host role of the 2034 Men’s World Cup, leaving Saudi Arabia as the sole contender in the race. This revelation came just hours before FIFA’s deadline for expressions of interest.
In an official statement, Football Australia cited their intention to shift their focus towards two other major football events: the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and the Club World Cup in 2029. With these tournaments in their sights, Australia chose not to pursue the 2034 World Cup bid.
The 2026 World Cup is set to grace the pitches of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, while the 2030 World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by a consortium of Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
FIFA had explicitly stated that the 2034 World Cup would be held in either Asia or Oceania. Australia’s withdrawal from the race has cleared the path for Saudi Arabia, which had promptly expressed its interest in hosting the event shortly after FIFA’s announcement.
However, the prospect of Saudi Arabia hosting the World Cup has sparked controversy and debate. The nation’s bid will undoubtedly undergo scrutiny, given its geopolitical and human rights challenges. Nevertheless, the decision is now official, and preparations for the 2034 Men’s World Cup in Saudi Arabia are underway.
Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Bid Faces Human Rights and Sporting Controversies
Concerns Over Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Bid
- Human Rights Controversy: Saudi Arabia faces criticism for human rights violations, including the execution of 81 men in a single day, women’s rights abuses, and the criminalization of homosexuality.
- Free Speech Restrictions: The country has also been accused of restricting freedom of speech and is criticized for its involvement in the war in Yemen.
- Khashoggi Murder: The killing of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, a prominent Saudi journalist critical of the government, severely damaged Saudi Arabia’s international reputation.
- Sportswashing Allegations: Human rights activists claim that Saudi Arabia is using sports to divert attention from its longstanding human rights issues, a practice known as ‘sportswashing.’
- FIFA’s Commitment to Human Rights: Human Rights Watch questioned FIFA’s commitment to human rights, suggesting that awarding Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup would undermine its integrity.
- Criticism of Qatar’s World Cup: Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup was also criticized for its stance on same-sex relationships, human rights record, and treatment of migrant workers.
- Saudi Arabia’s Failed Sponsorship: FIFA abandoned plans for Saudi Arabia to sponsor the 2023 Women’s World Cup due to backlash from co-hosts Australia and New Zealand, players, and sponsors.
- 2035 Women’s World Cup Ambition: Saudi Arabia aspires to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup after establishing a women’s team in recent years.
- Climate Considerations: Like the 2022 men’s tournament in Qatar, the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia would likely be held in winter due to extreme summer heat. However, the use of existing infrastructure would make it more environmentally friendly.
- Positive Feedback: Newcastle United’s manager, Eddie Howe, who experienced Saudi Arabia through the club’s takeover, expressed optimism about the structural organization of a potential World Cup in the country.
Saudi Arabia’s Sporting Achievements:
- World Cup Bid: Saudi Arabia is vying to host the FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone in the country’s sports journey.
- PIF’s Sports Investments: The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has acquired major football clubs like Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
- High-Profile Football Signings: The Saudi Pro League has attracted renowned players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar.
- LIV Golf Series: The launch of the LIV Golf series in 2022 led to a merger between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour with PIF, promoting the growth of golf in Saudi Arabia.
- Formula 1 Racing: Saudi Arabia successfully hosted its inaugural Formula 1 race in 2021 as part of a long-term commitment to the sport.
- Boxing World Title Fights: Saudi Arabia has become a notable venue for boxing world title fights, featuring fighters like Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk.
- Tennis Events: Saudi Arabia is set to host its first professional tennis event, the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, as part of a five-year agreement.
- Potential WTA Finals: Discussions are underway for Saudi Arabia to host the women’s tour’s end-of-season WTA Finals.
- Sportswashing Strategy: Crown Prince Bin Salman has expressed a commitment to leveraging sports to boost the country’s GDP, even amidst calls for improvements in human rights.
These developments showcase Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in the world of sports and its ambition to be a key player in the global sporting landscape.