FIFA President Gianni Infantino today praised the power of football to “unite the world” after it played a leading role in giving Saudi Arabia the most divisive World Cup since the last edition.
Today's FIFA conference, which was held virtually, saw Saudi Arabia awarded the sole bid to host the event in 2034. Spain, Portugal and Morocco, who also faced no opposition, will host the tournament in 2030, with the first three matches being held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to celebrate. Centenary of the first World Cup tournament.
The complex 2030 schedule limits the number of countries able to stage the tournament in 2034 due to FIFA's rotation policy.
This set the stage nicely for Saudi Arabia to intervene, helped by FIFA's decision to open the bidding process to an inexplicably short 25 days. This caught Australia off guard, which was apparently unaware, dashing its hopes of staging the event alongside New Zealand – the quick turnaround did not give them enough time to work together.
Saudi Arabia, which was not aware of this, announced its offer almost immediately, and with the support of other Asian countries, the deal was concluded.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has inaugurated a new era for our nation, guiding the dreams and aspirations of our people.#Welcome to Saudi Arabia34 pic.twitter.com/HhJ85xMDCU
— Kingdom of Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034™️ (@Saudi2034) December 11, 2024
Different reflections for Qatar 2022
This will be the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East since the Qatar 2022 tournament, a tournament that Infantino described as an “amazing success.” But Amnesty International has a different view, calling it “shameful” that the Heroism Legacy Fund does not include compensation for migrant workers injured during preparations.
Speaking today before the host nation was confirmed, Infantino said: “Football will unite the world like nothing else can. We are bringing people, nations and continents together to see who will host the 2030 and 2034 Men’s World Cups. It promises to be a historic moment and I thank you all for being there.” Part of this history.
He added: “We have a responsibility to unite, not divide. Nothing more, nothing less. This is exactly what we are doing.”
“Dear friends, we live unity. We live inclusiveness and we live football. Let us make history together. Let us unite the world with football and through football today.
“We know that this was only possible because there was an understanding of each other. There was respect for each other. Everyone moved a step or two closer to each other.
“Everyone has given up and everyone has given up something for the good of everyone, for the common good. These are precisely the values that are at the heart of FIFA and football.”
The World Cup is part of Bin Salman's vision
The delivery of the World Cup reinforces Saudi Arabia's growing influence in global sports. De facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman has made sports a key part of his Vision 2030 plan aimed at diversifying the economy and improving the country's reputation abroad.
It has organized boxing at the highest level, Formula 1, the Club World Cup, and major tennis events, in addition to launching the LIV Golf Tour, through the Public Investment Fund, and purchasing Newcastle United, which plays in the English Premier League.
However, concerns remain about its human rights record. Over the years, Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for criminalizing homosexuality, restricting freedom of expression, the continued use of the death penalty, the country's involvement in the conflict in Yemen, and the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Human Rights Watch has dismissed FIFA's “independent” assessment of Saudi Arabia, conducted by a Saudi-based company, as “spurious”.
The 2034 World Cup could be in 2035
There is also the question of when the World Cup will be held, and whether it will happen in 2034 at all.
The climate means it should be in the European winter, but November and December conflict with the holy month of Ramadan, meaning it could be postponed to January and February 2035.
There was no formal vote on the bids today, as the hosts of both events were confirmed by acclamation, with member state delegates applauding when asked.
In his closing remarks, Infantino said: “I am fully confident that our hosts will deliver a FIFA World Cup that meets the world's expectations. That is why we have undertaken this bidding procedure and offered transparency.
“The World Cup is a unique tournament and a unique catalyst for positive social change and unity.
“We are looking at positive impacts on human rights, which are the responsibilities of hosting the World Cup.
“The unique highlights of the World Cup help highlight the improvements.”
