Saudi Arabia has been appointed as the host for the 2034 World Cup, marking a significant win for the kingdom in attracting major sports events. The tournament will feature 15 stadiums in five cities, with the opening game and final set for a 92,000-seat venue in Riyadh. The dates for the World Cup are yet to be decided, but it is likely to be scheduled outside of the traditional June-July period due to extreme temperatures in Saudi Arabia.
As part of its modernization program, Saudi Arabia aims to ensure that stadiums will not be segregated based on gender and alcohol will not be allowed at the venues. The protection of workers’ rights, specifically for migrant workers involved in building stadiums, is another important issue that the kingdom will need to address.
Questions have also been raised about whether Israel would be allowed to play in the 2034 World Cup if it qualifies. Additionally, the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, will see games played in various countries and the final scheduled for July 21, 2030.
Overall, while Saudi Arabia celebrates its appointment as the host for the 2034 World Cup, there are still several key issues that need to be addressed in the lead up to the tournament. The kingdom’s commitment to hosting a successful and inclusive World Cup will be closely monitored by international bodies and human rights organizations.
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