Saudi Arabia has been officially confirmed as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking a monumental achievement for the oil-rich kingdom’s ambitious investment in global sports. FIFA President Gianni Infantino made the announcement during an online meeting with over 200 member federations, which was celebrated and criticized.
The Saudi bid, unopposed in the selection process, underscores the kingdom’s growing influence in global sports under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Following the confirmation, Riyadh erupted in fireworks and jubilation, with government officials lauding the decision as a step toward showcasing Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and vision for the future.
However, the decision has sparked widespread criticism from human rights groups, who accuse Saudi Arabia of “sportswashing” — using high-profile events to distract from its controversial human rights record. Critics point to the kingdom’s restrictive laws for women, its ban on homosexuality, and the execution of over 300 people this year, including 100 foreign nationals.
“This is a reckless decision by FIFA that puts lives at risk,” stated a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. “Rewarding a nation with such an abysmal human rights record undermines the values FIFA claims to uphold.”
The criticism mirrors the backlash faced by Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Similar concerns about labor rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ inclusion were raised at the time. Despite this, the Qatar World Cup was hailed as one of the most successful in history, drawing praise for its accessibility to fans from Asia and Africa and its incident-free security record.
Saudi Arabia now faces the challenge of building eight new stadiums to meet FIFA’s requirements. Rights groups have expressed concerns over the treatment of migrant workers, primarily from South Asia, who will likely undertake these construction projects. The legacy of Qatar looms large, where over 6,500 migrant worker deaths were reported during preparations for the 2022 event.
FIFA has defended its decision, asserting that football can act as a catalyst for social progress. “Hosting the World Cup provides an opportunity for positive human rights impacts and social improvements,” Infantino said, emphasizing that the tournament is open to all.
Saudi officials echoed this sentiment, promising an inclusive event. “We invite everyone to experience Saudi Arabia’s unique hospitality,” said a government representative.
Saudi Arabia faces a dual challenge in hosting the 2034 World Cup: delivering a successful tournament while addressing global concerns about inclusivity and human rights. With a decade to prepare, the kingdom has pledged significant investments in infrastructure and logistics.
The world will watch closely to see if Saudi Arabia can balance its ambitious sporting aspirations with the demands for broader societal openness. Whether this World Cup will serve as a platform for positive change or deepen existing divides remains an open question.
The countdown to 2034 has begun, with hopes that this World Cup will transcend the controversies and bring the beautiful game to new audiences in an inclusive and impactful way.
