FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
“Football unites the world more than any other sport. The World Cup is the perfect stage for a message of unity and inclusion. It is also able to show how different cultures can better understand each other,” the boss of the world football association wrote on social media.
Earlier on Tuesday it became clear that Australia no longer wanted to organize the tournament in eleven years. This left Saudi Arabia, criticized by human rights organizations, as the only contender. Human Rights Watch said in an initial response that it was “a shame”. The organization points to human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, the lack of press freedom and discrimination against LGBTI people.
Infantino says that the FIFA Council has already officially agreed to the allocation “after constructive and extensive consultation”, something that was actually only expected later. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to this,” said the chairman.
Five continents
Last year the World Cup with Qatar was also in the Middle East. In three years the next world championship will be in Canada, Mexico and the United States. In 2030, the footballers will play in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while the first three matches will be played in South America. “That makes football truly global,” says Infantino about the fact that five continents will be visited in the coming years.
Football Australia decided to withdraw its bid after “considering all factors,” said director James Johnson. Australia is now focused on hosting the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and the Club World Cup in 2029.