Saudi Arabia has been officially named the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup following a unanimous decision during FIFA’s virtual Congress meeting on Wednesday.
The Middle Eastern nation’s bid faced no opposition, as Australia—the only other potential candidate—opted not to participate. The process, which began in October 2023, allowed just a month for countries in Asia and Oceania to express interest, aligning with FIFA’s rotational hosting rules.
Saudi Arabia’s selection comes as the 2030 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to honor the tournament’s centenary.
With the 2026 edition already planned for North America (Canada, Mexico, and the USA), FIFA’s regulations excluded nations from those regions, paving the way for Saudi Arabia to secure the hosting rights unchallenged.
This decision reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports, further cementing its place on the world stage.
