FIFA has officially announced Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, while the 2030 edition will mark a historic first, with matches held across three continents.
The decisions were ratified during a FIFA Congress meeting held via video link earlier today, involving representatives from all 211 member associations.
The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the opening three matches staged in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to celebrate the centenary of the tournament’s inception in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930.
This unique arrangement honours the World Cup’s rich legacy while underscoring FIFA’s efforts to expand its global footprint.
Saudi Arabia’s selection as the 2034 host came as no surprise, with the kingdom running unopposed after Australia withdrew its bid.
FIFA’s rotational hosting policy limited the 2034 bidding process to nations in Asia and Oceania, following the 2026 tournament in North America and the 2030 event spread across Europe, Africa, and South America.
The decision to award Saudi Arabia hosting rights, however, has not been without controversy.
Critics have accused the Gulf state of “sportswashing,” leveraging its significant investments in global sports to distract from its human rights record and environmental concerns.
Notably, Norway abstained from endorsing the 2034 decision, citing the bidding process rather than the host nation itself.
During the Congress, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom revealed that Saudi Arabia’s bid achieved an unprecedented evaluation score of 4.2 out of 5.
Yet, the absence of competing bids and the lack of a separate voting option for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments have drawn criticism.
The decisions were made through a single vote, with representatives expressing approval by clapping on camera.
For the 2030 tournament, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will host the bulk of the games, while Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will play pivotal roles in the centenary celebrations.
The 2034 edition will see Saudi Arabia leverage its growing influence in football, although only four of the proposed 15 venues for the tournament are currently complete.
