The 2030 World Cup will take place across six countries on three continents, while Saudi Arabia will host the men’s soccer competition in 2034, FIFA announced Wednesday.
Both decisions were overwhelmingly affirmed by applause during a virtual meeting of the 211-member FIFA general congress. The results were not surprising, considering that there was only one bid for each tournament.
Morocco, Portugal and Spain will stage the 2030 event, along with one early match each played in three South American nations: Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina.
“We are bringing football to more countries and the number of teams has not diluted the quality. It actually enhanced the opportunity,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.
“What better way to celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2030 than to have the World Cup in six countries, in three continents, with 48 teams and 104 epic matches. The world will stand still and will celebrate the 100 years of the World Cup.”
Saudi Arabia was the lone bidder for the 2034 World Cup. Australia and Indonesia had discussed making a joint bid before dropping out.
“Football lives in our hearts so to host a FIFA World Cup is the ultimate honor and we have been working towards this for a very long time,” Saudi Arabian Football Federation president Yasser Al Misehal said. “We welcome the responsibility and opportunity to help grow the game globally for all and make a positive contribution on the world stage.”
Amnesty International and 20 other organizations issued a joint statement condemning the selection of Saudi Arabia due to its record of alleged human rights abuses.
“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, said in the statement on Wednesday.
The 2026 World Cup is taking place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
–Field Level Media