Saudi Arabia has been officially announced as the host country for the FIFA 2034 World Cup, marking a historic milestone for the nation’s football landscape.
The middle east Arab nation was announced as the host of tournament at an online meeting hosted in Zurich by the soccer body’s president Gianni Infantino.
The Saudi bid was the only candidate and was affirmed by the applause of more than 200 FIFA member federations.
“The vote of the congress is loud and clear,” said Infantino, who had asked officials on a bank of screens to clap their hands at head level to show their support.
The decision was combined with approving the only candidate to host the 2030 World Cup. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will co-host in a six-nation project, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay each getting one of the 104 games.
The South American connection will mark the centenary of Uruguay hosting the first World Cup in 1930.
The decisions complete an utterly discreet 15-month bid process which Infantino ensured favour Saudi Arabia without a rival candidate, without taking questions, and which human rights groups warn will put the lives of migrant workers at risk.
FIFA and Saudi officials have said hosting the 2034 tournament can accelerate change, including more freedoms and rights for women, with Infantino on Wednesday calling the World Cup a “unique catalyst for positive social change and unity.”
“I fully trust our hosts to address all open points in this process, and deliver a World Cup that meets the world’s expectations,” the FIFA president said
