A report on Saudi Arabia’s application to host the 2034 World Cup was released on Saturday by FIFA, the organisation that oversees football worldwide.
Saudi Arabia, whose de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is friendly with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, is the sole country vying to host the competition in 2034.
Despite evaluating the kingdom’s bid as posing “low” environmental and “medium” human rights risks, FIFA’s study granted Saudi Arabia excellent grades.
Saudi Arabia put in a bid late last year to host the 2034 tournament, which was previously only open to countries in Asia and Oceania. Morocco, Spain, and Portugal also put in a joint bid for 2030, and Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay are all scheduled to host one match each during the tournament’s centenary edition.
On December 11, FIFA’s 211 national football associations will convene virtually to decide the fate of Saudi Arabia’s candidacy and that of the 2030 hosts.
