TLDR:
FIFA confirms World Cup hosts.
Saudi Arabia wins solo 2034 bid.
2030 spans three continents, six nations.
ZURICH (The Thursday Times) — FIFA has unveiled host nations for the 2030 and 2034 men’s World Cups in a move that reflects growing globalisation and sparks controversy over the selection process. The 2030 tournament will span three continents and six countries, while the 2034 edition will be hosted solely by Saudi Arabia, marking its first turn as a host nation.
2030 tournament to span continents
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will commemorate a century since the tournament’s inception, blending tradition with modernity through its unprecedented multi-continental format. Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will act as the primary hosts, with matches held across their stadiums. This alignment capitalises on their geographic and cultural proximity while nodding to football’s heritage. To honour the World Cup’s birthplace, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will host the opening three matches.
This distribution allows the global spectacle to pay homage to its South American origins while embracing Europe and Africa as footballing powerhouses. Critics, however, have questioned the environmental impact of such extensive travel requirements for teams, officials, and fans alike.
Saudi Arabia secures 2034 unopposed
Saudi Arabia emerged as the sole candidate for the 2034 World Cup after FIFA’s sudden announcement of the bidding process in October. While Australia had shown interest, the accelerated timeline made assembling a competitive bid unfeasible, clearing the path for Saudi Arabia’s uncontested bid. The Gulf state’s proposal garnered record-high scores in FIFA’s evaluation, underscoring its ambitious vision for sports infrastructure and global prominence.
FIFA’s geopolitical balancing act
FIFA’s approach to World Cup hosting reflects its balancing act between football’s growing global appeal and political realities. The 2030 tournament will see involvement from CONMEBOL, UEFA, and CAF, leaving AFC and OFC eligible to host in 2034. By rotating the tournament among confederations, FIFA aims to ensure equitable access for all regions.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 tournament demonstrates its ongoing effort to leverage sports for soft power.
