Saudi Arabia set to be confirmed as hosts of 2034 FIFA World Cup - despite human rights concerns

Saudi Arabia is set to be confirmed as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

The decision will be announced by FIFA chief Gianni Infantino today (December 11) after five years of campaigning by the Kingdom, and despite fierce opposition from human rights campaigners, climate activists and even some football associations. Infantino has succeeded in his campaign to usher the tournament to the country meaning that an online video congress between delegates from 211 countries on December 11 will not contain a vote; instead, those present will simply be informed of the decisions the Daily Mirror reports.

FIFA announced in October that the 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco - but in a bizarre twist the opening three matches will take place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, with the South American leg of the tournament a nod to the inaugural 1930 World Cup on what will be its 100-year anniversary. But following a three continent World Cup, the expanded 48-team tournament four years later will go to Saudi Arabia in its entirety, where a host of top stars including Cristiano Ronaldo now playing club football in the country's Pro League.

The Saudi tournament is likely to be played over 38 days from the start of January 2034 to avoid a clash with the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan in November and December, with FIFA’s official evaluation report of their bid awarding the country a record score of 419.8/500 and deeming it to be 'medium risk' on human rights and timing and 'low risk' on sustainability commitment and environmental protection. Saudi Arabia has already hosted the 2023 Club World Cup and FIFA have a lucrative sponsorship deal with Saudi state-owned oil giant Aramco.

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