Saudi Arabia Set to Host 2034 World Cup Amid Controversy and Ambitious Goals

As the FIFA Congress convenes virtually today, all eyes are set on the announcement that is widely expected to crown Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 men's World Cup. This decision, which has generated considerable discourse and debate, follows a controversial bidding process that many have criticized for lacking transparency and competition. The upcoming World Cup in 2030 will be a collaborative event involving Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, marking a significant milestone—the centenary of the inaugural tournament in 1930. However, the spotlight will shift exclusively to Saudi Arabia for the 2034 edition, making it the first World Cup to feature 48 teams in a single nation—a historic feat in the tournament’s long-standing legacy. The Sudanese bid for hosting rights has faced scrutiny, particularly through the lens of human rights advocacy. Critics point to ongoing concerns regarding the country's track record in this area, paralleling the discussions that surrounded Qatar’s hosting of the previous World Cup in 2022. Despite the potential objections, it appears that today's vote will be a mere formality, with Saudi Arabia set to be awarded the hosting rights without any contenders to challenge its bid. The pathway to this point has been paved by the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 initiative, introduced in 2016 under Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. This ambitious program aims to diversify the kingdom's economy and reduce its reliance on oil, with sport identified as a critical tool in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global profile. The nation has made significant investments in various high-profile sporting events, ranging from boxing and Formula 1 to professional wrestling, and has attracted some of football’s biggest stars to its domestic league, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. The quest for hosting the World Cup has been a long-standing goal for Saudi Arabia, particularly following Qatar’s successful bid for the 2022 tournament. Initially targeting 2030, Saudi Arabia explored various co-hosting arrangements with countries such as Greece and Egypt. However, as interest from other nations dwindled and FIFA’s recent decisions favored a more streamlined approach, the 2034 bid became more viable. FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s relationship with the Saudi leadership has also played a crucial role in this narrative. The pair have been seen together at various events over the years, solidifying a partnership that appears to benefit both parties. The commercial interests are evident, with the Saudi state-owned company Aramco securing a partnership with FIFA, aligning with the pattern of previous World Cups that saw similar arrangements. What does the future hold for Saudi Arabia as it prepares to host this monumental event? The kingdom has already laid plans for an ambitious infrastructure project that includes the construction of 11 stadiums, with significant investments earmarked for the King Salman International Stadium, which will host both the opening match and the final. As the FIFA Congress today affirms Saudi Arabia’s position, the implications are vast. The kingdom is poised to showcase its football culture to millions around the globe, reinforcing its desire to emerge as a key player in the international sporting arena. Whether this move will ultimately benefit Saudi's tourist ambitions, or if it will continue to fuel the ongoing debates around human rights and ethical governance, remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the 2034 World Cup is already taking shape, and there is no turning back.