The 2034 FIFA World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant moment for the global football community and raising questions about the increasing ties between sports and politics. This will be the first time Saudi Arabia hosts the tournament and the second time it will be held in the Middle East, following the 2022 edition in Qatar.
The decision followed an unusually swift and limited bidding process launched by FIFA on October 4, 2023. Just four weeks later, on October 31, Saudi Arabia submitted its official bid, and by November 1, FIFA confirmed that the Kingdom was the only nation in the running. The lack of competition effectively guaranteed Saudi Arabia the right to host the tournament. FIFA’s tight timeline and regional rotation policy—which excluded bids from Europe, Africa, and South America—left little room for other countries to prepare bids. Australia was expected to compete but ultimately withdrew, clearing the path for Saudi Arabia’s uncontested victory.
While FIFA framed the move as part of its goal to expand football into new regions, the decision has been met with global criticism. Human rights organizations and football experts have raised concerns about what they describe as “sportswashing”—a term used when nations use high-profile events to improve their international image and distract from domestic issues. Saudi Arabia has long faced scrutiny for its human rights record, including limits on free speech, women’s rights, and the treatment of migrant workers. Critics argue that awarding the 2034 FIFA World Cup to the Kingdom undermines FIFA’s claims of neutrality and commitment to inclusivity.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s role in the process has also drawn attention. Infantino has developed strong ties with Saudi leaders and other powerful political figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump. His visit to Saudi Arabia during Trump’s state trip earlier this year sparked further debate, especially after it was revealed that the FIFA Congress, initially planned for Paraguay, was moved online to allow him to attend the Middle East meetings instead. Some FIFA members expressed frustration, questioning whether Infantino’s priorities were more political than sporting.
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in sports as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil revenue. The country has already spent billions acquiring stakes in major sports ventures, including LIV Golf and Premier League club Newcastle United. It has also hosted events like Formula One races, heavyweight boxing matches, and major esports competitions. Hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup is seen as the crown jewel in Saudi Arabia’s plan to position itself as a global sports hub.
With the tournament expected to include 48 teams, as planned for the 2026 edition, Saudi Arabia faces a massive logistical challenge. Given the extreme heat during traditional summer months, it is likely the tournament will be held in the winter, as was done in Qatar. This shift would require significant coordination with domestic and international football calendars. Saudi Arabia has already begun infrastructure development to meet the demands of the tournament, including building new stadiums, expanding transportation networks, and improving tourist facilities.
Despite the Kingdom’s preparations, many observers remain uneasy about FIFA’s decision-making process. The quick timeline, lack of transparency, and Infantino’s personal relationships have added to suspicions that global football is becoming more political. The awarding of the 2034 FIFA World Cup has intensified debates about whether FIFA is truly upholding its role as a neutral sporting body or increasingly catering to the interests of powerful nations and political figures.
As the countdown to 2034 begins, attention will remain fixed not only on how Saudi Arabia prepares for the tournament but also on how FIFA handles the mounting pressure to demonstrate fairness, accountability, and transparency in the world’s most popular sport.
