Tengrinews.kz - Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced.
Australia had initially competed for the right to host the tournament but later withdrew its bid, leaving Saudi Arabia as the sole contender.
Similar to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 2034 tournament is expected to be held in winter due to the region's climate.
The World Cup will be played in five Saudi cities - Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Al Khobar, and Neom - across 15 stadiums. Neom, a futuristic city still under construction, will feature a stadium built 350 meters above sea level, accessible only by high-speed elevators and autonomous vehicles.
The 2030 World Cup will mark the 100th anniversary of the tournament. It will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with opening matches held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Human rights criticism
Saudi Arabia's bid faced criticism from Amnesty International over the country's human rights record.
"FIFA's reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections will put countless lives at risk," said Amnesty International’s representative, Steve Cockburn.
FIFA's decision to hold the 2030 World Cup across three continents - Europe, Africa, and South America - also drew criticism from environmental activists due to the increased carbon emissions from additional travel.
