NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia has been designated as the host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup in men’s football, marking a significant milestone in the kingdom’s extensive investment in international sports, a move largely influenced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This announcement came without any competing bids, receiving unanimous acclaim from over 200 FIFA member federations during a virtual meeting led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich.
The endorsement of Saudi Arabia as the solitary candidate underscores a clear directive from the FIFA congress, with Infantino facilitating a symbolic show of support from officials.
Simultaneously, the 2030 World Cup hosting rights were awarded to a collaborative bid by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, extending to a tri-continental effort that includes Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, each hosting a segment of the tournament, making it a six-nation project.
This arrangement not only celebrates the centenary of the World Cup, initiated by Uruguay in 1930, but also concludes a bidding process that, despite its lack of transparency, has been navigated towards Saudi Arabia under Infantino’s guidance.
The choice of Saudi Arabia, however, has sparked concerns among human rights organizations regarding the potential impact on migrant workers, who are expected to play a crucial role in preparing the country for the World Cup.
This includes the construction and enhancement of 15 stadiums, alongside the development of hotels and transportation infrastructure. Notably, one stadium is planned for the futuristic city of Neom, to be situated 350 meters above ground, with another named after the crown prince, perched atop a 200-meter cliff near Riyadh.
FIFA’s acceptance of Saudi Arabia’s bid, with limited scrutiny of its human rights record, has been criticized by both Saudi and international rights groups. They argue that FIFA has not adequately learned from the controversies surrounding Qatar’s preparations for the 2022 World Cup.
This decision is part of a broader strategy by the crown prince to modernize Saudi society and economy through the Vision 2030 initiative, which includes significant investments in sports funded by the Public Investment Fund.
The relationship between the crown prince and Infantino has facilitated a smooth path towards securing the World Cup, with minimal resistance from the global football community.
This partnership is expected to further enhance Saudi Arabia’s influence in international soccer, underscored by the creation of a new World Cup sponsor category for state oil firm Aramco and the funding of the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.
The timing of the 2034 World Cup remains a subject of discussion, with considerations for the tournament’s schedule taking into account the climatic conditions and the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. January 2034 emerges as a potential option, aligning with the interests of European clubs and leagues, despite coinciding with the Salt Lake Winter Games.
Saudi Arabia’s role as the host of the 2034 World Cup signifies a pivotal moment in the intersection of sports, politics, and human rights, setting the stage for a decade of preparation and scrutiny.
