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Saudi Arabia confirmed as the 2034 World Cup hosts at the online FIFA Congress.

A wave of applause at an online FIFA Congress on Wednesday confirmed Saudi Arabia's very controversial hosting of the 2034 World Cup.

Campaigners have warned of the immense human cost of holding the finals in the Middle Eastern country, but FIFA and its associations have now given their official backing to the proposal, with Football Association delegates believed to have joined in the applauding.

The same applause affirmed Morocco, Portugal, and Spain as the main co-hosts of the 2030 tournament, with the first three matches taking place in South America as part of the competition's centenary festivities.

Winning the hosting rights for 2034 is undoubtedly the most significant victory so far in Saudi Arabia's aspirations to be viewed as a world leader in sport, which critics accuse of attempting to 'sports wash' its human rights record.

Wednesday's decision was basically a coronation, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the sole bidder for 2034, following an agreement made in October last year for South America to host the first matches of the centenary 2030 finals.

The air of inevitability was heightened when FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited national association delegates to vote by acclamation, either raising or clapping their hands, rather than a traditional vote.

FA representatives Mark Bullingham and Debbie Hewitt cheered to demonstrate their organization's support. According to a statement made shortly after the award, FA assistance was granted following assurances from Saudi FA colleagues over human rights.


"We asked them to commit to making all fans safe and welcome in Saudi Arabia by 2034, including LGBTQ+ fans. "They assured us that they are completely committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all fans," the FA stated.

"Football is a universally accessible sport. Our dedication to diversity and inclusion entails respecting all people, regardless of faith or culture.

"We also believe that hosting World Cups can be a catalyst for positive change, which is best delivered by working collaboratively in partnership with host nations."

None of the other British associations have publicly stated whether they voted by acclamation.

Human rights and fan groups remain profoundly worried, as Saudi Arabia is regarded as one of the world's most restrictive countries, with same-sex unions illegal.

Amnesty International claims that hosting the finals in Saudi Arabia will endanger many lives, with its main concerns being the treatment of migrant workers whose labor will be used to build stadiums and infrastructure, as well as those who will be forcibly evicted from their homes to facilitate construction projects.

Football Supporters Europe executive director Ronan Evain called the 2034 decision "scandalous," adding that "FIFA and its affiliated associations appear to have learned nothing from the mistakes of the past and are not even able to comply with their own regulations regarding human rights."

Only the Norwegian federation announced that it would abstain from acclamation, claiming a "flawed" bidding process that effectively handed Saudi Arabia the finals.

The World Cup grant strengthens FIFA's political and economic connections with Saudi Arabia.

Aramco, the country's oil and gas firm, was revealed as a FIFA sponsor in April, with a four-year arrangement for an estimated $100 million (£78.4 million) per year.

We are aware of the criticism and anxieties, and I fully trust our hosts to address any open areas.

Gianni Infantino

Saudi Arabia is also expected to invest in DAZN, the streaming company that recently signed an exclusive worldwide rights agreement for FIFA's 2025 Club World Cup worth an estimated $1 billion (£784 million).

Aside from human rights problems, there are concerns regarding the environmental impact of the Saudi World Cup.

Saudi Arabia will be the first country to host a 48-team tournament on its own, and the kingdom will require massive infrastructural work to prepare


Fifteen stadiums are planned for usage in five host cities, with eight remaining in the development stage.

One of the host cities, the linear development at Neom, is still under construction, with the Saudi bid book stating that the Neom Stadium pitch will be 350 meters above ground level.

Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al Faisal praised Congress' decision, saying, "This is a day when we invite the entire globe to Saudi Arabia. We plan to host an outstanding rendition of the World Cup in our kingdom."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described it as a "historic" day.

"We are aware of critics and fears, and I fully trust our hosts to address all open points," he said in his closing remarks on Wednesday.

"We have transparency, which will influence real and long-term change. That is what we hope and look forward to: social progress and positive human rights outcomes.

"That is one of the responsibilities of hosting a World Cup, and the world will of course be watching."
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