Saudi Arabia has officially been confirmed as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The decision, announced following a virtual meeting of FIFA’s 211 members on Wednesday, was met with acclamation as Saudi Arabia was the sole bidder for the tournament.
This marks another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s growing portfolio of major sporting events. The country is also set to host the 2027 Asian Cup, the 2029 Asian Winter Games, and the 2034 Asian Games, with ambitions to secure more global events, including the Women’s World Cup.
The announcement comes alongside the confirmation of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will span three continents. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will serve as the primary co-hosts, while Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina will hold opening matches to commemorate the centenary of the first World Cup, hosted and won by Uruguay in 1930.
Before these tournaments, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, continuing the trend of multi-nation hosting.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino presided over the virtual meeting, during which both the 2030 and 2034 hosting decisions were finalised. England’s Football Association (FA) expressed its support for the plans, indicating broad international approval for the announcements.
Saudi Arabia’s confirmation underscores the nation’s growing influence in global sports, leveraging its resources and infrastructure to secure high-profile events. The tournament is set to be another major step in Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision for global sporting prominence.