December 11, (THEWILL) – FIFA has selected Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 World Cup, while Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will jointly host the 2030 tournament. The announcement comes with mixed reactions, particularly from Norway, which raised concerns about the bidding process.
The 2030 World Cup will be a historic celebration of the tournament’s centenary, spanning six countries across three continents and featuring 48 teams. Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will host the opening three matches, with the remainder of the tournament taking place in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the significance of this multinational hosting approach.
Saudi Arabia was the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup, making the announcement more of a procedural formality. The selection reflects the Gulf Kingdom’s growing influence in international sports, despite ongoing criticism of its human rights record.
However, the decision has drawn significant criticism from human rights organisations. Amnesty International, along with 20 other groups including Human Rights Watch, have expressed serious concerns. They warn that the selection “puts many lives at risk” and marks “a moment of great danger” for residents, migrant workers, and visiting fans.
FIFA has acknowledged the concerns, with a spokesperson stating they will respond to the Norwegian Football Association’s queries.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
