FIFA is set to confirm Morocco, Spain, and Portugal as hosts of the 2030 World Cup, while Saudi Arabia will be awarded hosting rights for the 2034 tournament.
The decisions, expected during a virtual FIFA Congress vote, face no opposition as both bids remain uncontested.
For the 2030 edition, FIFA has introduced an unprecedented format to commemorate the centenary of the first World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930. Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will each host one match as part of the celebration before the tournament moves to Morocco, Spain, and Portugal for the remainder of the games.
This marks the first time the World Cup will involve three continental confederations.
Morocco, which has bid unsuccessfully five times before, will become the second African nation to host the tournament, following South Africa in 2010. Spain, with 11 of the 20 proposed venues, is expected to be the focal point, while Portugal will contribute three stadiums, including two in Lisbon and one in Porto.
The final is scheduled for July 21, with potential venues including Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona’s Camp Nou, and Morocco’s planned Hassan II stadium, which aims to be the largest stadium in the world with a capacity of 115,000.
Saudi Arabia’s unopposed bid for the 2034 World Cup follows FIFA’s decision to restrict bidding to Asia and Oceania.
After Australia and Indonesia withdrew, Saudi Arabia became the sole contender. This will mark the tournament’s return to the Gulf region just 12 years after Qatar hosted in 2022.
While Saudi Arabia has showcased its ambitions through hosting major events such as Formula One, boxing, and golf, its World Cup bid raises logistical and ethical questions. The country currently has only two stadiums meeting FIFA’s capacity requirements, far below the 14 needed.
The extreme summer heat may also require rescheduling the tournament to later in the year, as was done in Qatar.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia faces global scrutiny over its human rights record, with critics accusing the government of using sporting events to improve its international image.
Rights groups have highlighted issues such as mass executions, allegations of torture, and restrictions on women’s rights and free expression.
With these announcements, FIFA’s choices for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups have sparked debates over logistics, inclusivity, and ethics, ensuring the tournaments will be under intense global focus.
AFP
