FIFA Names Saudi Arabia Sole Host of 2034 World Cup Amid Criticism

Dec 12, 2024, 12:05 AM

FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially announced that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, confirming the kingdom as the sole bidder for the tournament. The decision was formalized on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at an extraordinary FIFA Congress. The selection has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which warn that hosting the tournament in Saudi Arabia "will put lives at risk" due to the country's human rights record. Despite these concerns, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed confidence that the kingdom will organize an exceptional tournament. Saudi Arabia plans to host matches across five cities, utilizing 15 stadiums and providing over 230,000 accommodation units.