The 2034 World Cup has been officially awarded to Saudi Arabia, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Wednesday after a virtual congress. Portugal, Morocco and Spain will join forces to host the 2030 tournament.
“We are bringing football to more countries and the number of teams does not dilute the quality,” Infantino told the more than 200 FIFA members in attendance. “It has actually expanded the possibilities.”
There were only a few bids for both World Cups.
Infantino praised Saudi Arabia’s choice, saying: “The vote of the congress is loud and clear.”
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in a statement provided to the Associated Press: “We look forward to hosting an exceptional and unprecedented FIFA World Cup, using our strengths and capabilities to bring joy to football fans around the world.”
Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, told X: “The Kingdom is pleased to showcase its global sports leadership, immersed in a vibrant culture, while demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and excellence.”
The decision, however, has drawn opposition from groups critical of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
A joint statement by 21 organizations, including international labor unions and global human rights groups such as Amnesty International, called the move a “moment of great danger” for human rights.
“FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections will put many lives at risk,” the statement said. “Based on the clear evidence to date, FIFA knows that workers will be exploited and even killed without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet it has chosen to move forward despite this. The organization risks being held heavily accountable for the many human rights violations that will follow.”