FIFA Names Saudi Arabia As Men’s ’34 World Cup Host, Confirms ’30 Locations

By Barry Janoff

December 11, 2024: FIFA now has its Men’s World Cup calendar in place for the next 12 years.

During a virtual meeting today of what was called an Extraordinary FIFA Congress, the 211 FIFA Member Associations confirmed the previously disclosed joint hosts for the 2030 tournament as Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay; and named Saudi Arabia as host for the 2034 tournament.

The FIFA ’26 Men’s World Cup will be hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

“In today’s divided world, where it seems that nobody can agree any more on anything, to be able to agree on something like that is definitely an incredible message of unity and positivity.” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said following the final decisions.

“And we need these messages today.”

The 2030 and 2034 World Cups had only one bid each, with 2030 a unified bid among the nations.

They both were confirmed by the applause of officials representing the 211 FIFA member federations seen on on a bank of screens, who had been asked by Infantno to clap their hands at head level to show their support.

“The vote of the Congress is loud and clear,” said Infantino.

This past October, FIFA said it had reached an agreement among soccer's continental leaders to accept only one unified candidate for hosting the 2030 tournament: Europe, Africa and South America.

The decision only needed a formal approval at today’s meeting.

The 2030 World Cup will be held across Morocco, Portugal and Spain; with Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina each hosting one match to start the tournament.

Uruguay’s capital of Montevideo was where Centenario Stadium hosted the inaugural 1930 World Cup final a century earlier.

"In 2030, we will have a unique global footprint, three continents: Africa, Europe and South America,” said  Infantino.

“Six countries — Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay — welcoming and uniting the world while celebrating together the beautiful game, the centenary and the FIFA World Cup. What a great message of peace, tolerance and inclusion.”

Saudi Arabia’s approval comes with vocal opposition from human rights organizations worldwide, which point to the region’s historically restrictive policies regarding women and the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the safety of workers brought from other countries to help build stadiums and other facilities.

“FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk,” Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s head of Labor Rights and Sport, told AP Sports.

FIFA, however, played up other aspects.

“The FIFA World Cup is unique, and it is a unique catalyst as well for positive social change and unity because these tournaments, 2030, the celebration, 2034 — they are tournaments to unite, not to divide,” said Infantino.

“They are tournaments, of course, to discuss, to debate and to act. But most importantly, today is a day of unity and a day of celebration.”

According to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, via FIFA, “This is a historic moment for Saudi Arabia and a dream come true for all our 32 million people who simply love the game.

“The Kingdom is on a remarkable journey of transformation under Vision 2030 and today is another huge step forward that reflects and celebrates our progress while looking ahead to an even brighter future."

Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin said via the organization that it is “working closely with partners across the tourism ecosystem to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

“This includes enhanced flight connectivity, streamlined visa processes, and a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. With a focus on sustainability and accessibility, Saudi is committed to delivering a tournament that celebrates the spirit of football and leaves a positive legacy for generations to come.”  

FIFA ’30 Men’s World Cup To Be Played Across Three Continents

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