Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, becoming the second Middle Eastern country to do so after Qatar, which hosted in 2022. As the sole candidate, Saudi Arabia’s hosting is almost certain, with FIFA expected to make the official announcement on December 11, 2024.
Key Highlights:
- Potential Schedule Shift:
Due to Saudi Arabia’s extreme summer temperatures, FIFA’s evaluation report suggests hosting the tournament between October and April, similar to Qatar’s November-December World Cup in 2022. However, this change could spark debates as it may disrupt global football calendars. - Human Rights and Infrastructure:
Saudi Arabia received a score of 419.8 out of 500 in FIFA’s evaluation, the highest for any World Cup bid so far.
Despite this, FIFA flagged “moderate risks” concerning human rights and infrastructure development. The report acknowledges that hosting the event could catalyze positive social changes in Saudi Arabia.
- New Stadiums and Innovations:
Saudi Arabia plans to build multiple new stadiums, including the 350-meter-high “Stadium in the Sky” in the futuristic city of Neom. However, these ambitious projects are also categorized as moderate risks by FIFA.
- Broader Context:
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. This event will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the inaugural World Cup in 1930.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the World Cup reflects its growing ambitions to position itself as a global sports and tourism hub, despite ongoing concerns around human rights and environment
