The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has officially announced that the 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, with the opening three matches staged in South America to mark the tournament’s centenary. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the host nation for the 2034 World Cup, a decision that has drawn significant criticism over human rights concerns.
The announcements were made during an online FIFA Congress on Wednesday, where both bids were ratified without opposition. The English and Welsh Football Associations supported the decisions.
2030 World Cup: Celebrating a Century of Football
The 2030 World Cup will commemorate the tournament’s 100-year anniversary, with matches spanning six countries across three continents. The first three games will be held in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, honoring the competition’s origins. The remainder of the tournament will take place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, marking the first time the event will be co-hosted across such a vast geographic spread.
Saudi Arabia’s 2034 Bid Sparks Controversy
Saudi Arabia’s uncontested bid for the 2034 World Cup has raised eyebrows. The decision followed FIFA’s rotational hosting policy, which limited eligibility to countries in Asia or Oceania. While Australia initially expressed interest, it withdrew by October 31, leaving Saudi Arabia as the sole candidate.
FIFA’s evaluation team awarded Saudi Arabia’s bid its highest-ever score despite widespread concerns about the nation’s human rights record. Critics, including Amnesty International, have accused the Gulf state of “sportswashing” to improve its international reputation.
Steve Cockburn, Head of Economic and Social Justice at Amnesty International, condemned FIFA for failing to secure labor and human rights guarantees before awarding the tournament. “This is an extremely dangerous decision. FIFA has failed to uphold its own human rights requirements, putting countless people at risk of exploitation, discrimination, and oppression,” Cockburn said.
Human Rights and Logistical Challenges
Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for its criminalization of homosexuality, restrictions on free speech, and limited women’s rights. Amnesty International has also highlighted the risks of exploitation for migrant workers involved in World Cup preparations and potential forced evictions linked to construction projects.
Additionally, logistical concerns have been raised about Saudi Arabia’s extreme summer temperatures, which exceed 40°C during the traditional June-July World Cup schedule. While FIFA’s report suggests staging the tournament between October and April to avoid the heat, this would disrupt domestic football leagues in Europe, including the Premier League, which has opposed the idea.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Sports Presence
Hosting the World Cup is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to expand its influence in global sports. The nation already hosts major events like Formula 1, boxing, golf, and tennis, and its Public Investment Fund has launched LIV Golf and acquired Premier League club Newcastle United.
The 2034 tournament will be the first time the expanded 48-team World Cup is held in a single country, contrasting with the 2026 event, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA Under Fire
The decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup has intensified scrutiny on FIFA, with critics accusing the organization of prioritizing financial gains over ethical considerations. The combined voting process for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments, which forced delegates to approve both bids simultaneously, has also been criticized for limiting transparency and accountability.
As FIFA moves forward with its plans, questions remain about its commitment to human rights and its ability to address the ethical and logistical challenges posed by these controversial decisions.