Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, according to an official announcement by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). this announcement has brought about mixed responses globally.

Although some critics contend that the action is an attempt to “sports wash” the nation’s contentious human rights record and authoritarian government, others think the oil-rich kingdom deserves the chance to demonstrate its abilities on a worldwide stage.

The bid from Saudi Arabia follows Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup, which was greeted with initial distrust but ultimately turned out to be a memorable and successful event.

For many years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been criticized for its human rights violations, such as its limitations on women’s rights and its prohibitions on free speech.

Despite these obstacles, the country has made great progress in sports, holding high-profile international events such as Formula One races, boxing fights, and golf and tennis tournaments.

The 2034 World Cup will also be significant since it will be the first time the expanded 48-team tournament is staged in a single country.

Saudi Arabia emerged as the only bidder for the 2034 event after FIFA chose to combine the bidding process for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups into a single vote

One of the main forces behind Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in international sports is the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
In order to further solidify the nation’s expanding sports power, the PIF founded LIV Golf and purchased Newcastle United, a team in the English Premier League.
Relatedly, FIFA announced that Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup, a first for the tournament’s structure, which will take place over three continents.

Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will host the first games, honouring the tournament’s illustrious past and international presence.