Saudi Arabia is poised to host the 2034 Men’s World Cup following Australia’s choice not to bid for the tournament’s hosting rights. The confirmation from Football Australia came just hours ahead of FIFA’s deadline for expressing interest this Tuesday. With no other nations bidding, Saudi Arabia stands unopposed.
Football Australia released a statement regarding their decision, stating, “We have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition.”
The upcoming 2026 World Cup is slated for the US, Mexico, and Canada, while the 2030 tournament will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with additional matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
FIFA had previously indicated that the 2034 World Cup would be hosted either in Asia or Oceania. Australia’s bid was seen as the sole potential contender to Saudi Arabia, which declared its bidding intentions shortly after FIFA’s announcement. Despite backing from the Asian Football Confederation, Saudi Arabia’s role as the host might be perceived as contentious.
Saudi Arabia has faced condemnation for a range of human rights abuses including a mass execution of 81 men in a single day last year, ongoing women’s rights violations, criminalization of homosexuality, curtailment of free speech, and involvement in the Yemen conflict. Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia remains set to host the men’s 2034 World Cup following Australia’s decision not to vie for the hosting rights.
