The 2034 Men’s Football World Cup will be hosted by Saudi Arabia, while Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will jointly host the 2030 tournament, as confirmed by FIFA. Additionally, three matches in the 2030 tournament will be played in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to celebrate the centenary of the World Cup.
These host selections were finalized during FIFA’s Extraordinary Congress meeting on Wednesday, where representatives from all 211 FIFA member nations participated via video link. The decision was made through two separate votes: one to designate Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina as the centenary hosts, and another to confirm Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as the 2030 hosts, with Saudi Arabia awarded the 2034 tournament.
FIFA’s Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, explained that all member associations had effectively cast their votes ahead of the congress, and the decisions were made by “acclamation,” with representatives clapping in front of their cameras during the meeting.
Norway abstained from voting due to concerns about the current World Cup bidding process, not because of Saudi Arabia’s selection. Switzerland’s Football Association also made a note to include its observations in the meeting minutes. The Swiss FA had stated it would approve Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup but insisted that human rights be monitored by both FIFA and the International Labour Organization.
The Danish Football Union expressed support for the overall World Cup bid package but called on FIFA to ensure improvements in human rights. Jesper Moller, the DBU chairman, voiced concerns about the lack of competition in the bidding process for both the 2030 and 2034 tournaments.
Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for “sportswashing,” using its investment in sports to improve its international image amidst concerns over its human rights record and environmental practices. Of the 15 stadiums planned for the 2034 World Cup, only four have been completed so far.
