In an online meeting hosted in Zurich, FIFA confirmed Saudi Arabia as the official host of the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer, making it the only candidate for the prestigious event. The decision was met with applause from over 200 FIFA member federations who participated remotely in the meeting. Additionally, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco were approved as co-hosts for the 2030 World Cup, marking the centenary of Uruguay hosting the first World Cup in 1930.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia, citing risks to the lives of migrant workers due to the country’s labor laws. Despite these concerns, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed confidence in the Saudi hosts, emphasizing the potential positive impact the World Cup could have on social change and unity.
Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of “sportswashing” its reputation through lavish spending on international soccer, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spearheading projects to modernize society and the economy. The announcement has sparked a debate over human rights issues surrounding the event, including labor rights and worker safety.
The win for Saudi Arabia signals a decade of scrutiny on its labor laws and treatment of workers needed to prepare for the tournament. The kingdom plans to invest billions of dollars in infrastructure and stadiums, with Cristiano Ronaldo expressing optimism about the event’s potential success. The decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia has drawn mixed reactions from rights groups, with concerns about potential risks to human rights and labor rights.
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