FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia to host 2034 World Cup, Spain, Portugal, Morocco for 2030
The announcements came during FIFA's Extraordinary Congress on Wednesday, where representatives from all 211 member nations participated via video link.
KATHMANDU: FIFA has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 Men’s World Cup, while Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will jointly host the 2030 tournament. In a special centenary tribute, three matches of the 2030 tournament will also be played in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The announcements came during FIFA’s Extraordinary Congress on Wednesday, where representatives from all 211 member nations participated via video link. The decisions were made through two separate votes: the first awarded Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina the centenary celebrations for the 2030 World Cup, and the second confirmed Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as the hosts for that same tournament. Saudi Arabia’s bid for 2034 was also approved.
The voting process was conducted through ‘acclamation,’ where delegates clapped in front of their cameras to show support. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom stated that all member associations had already cast their votes prior to the Congress.
Norway abstained from voting, citing concerns over the current bidding process, though it was not a direct protest against Saudi Arabia’s selection. Switzerland’s football association raised concerns about human rights, urging FIFA and the International Labour Organization to monitor the situation. Meanwhile, Denmark’s football body expressed support for both World Cup bids but echoed the call for stronger human rights oversight.
Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of “sportswashing,” using its significant investment in sports to improve its global image amid ongoing human rights concerns. Of the 15 proposed stadiums for the 2034 tournament, only four have been completed so far.
