With Australia’s withdrawal from the race to host the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia finds itself as the only potential candidate to host this prestigious sporting event. The move was confirmed by Football Australia, which decided to focus its efforts on other competitions, such as the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and the Club World Cup in 2029.
This new position leaves Saudi Arabia in pole position to be chosen as the host country for the 2034 Men’s World Cup. Although FIFA had indicated that this tournament would be held in Asia or Oceania, the Australian bid was considered the only potentially serious competitor. However, with its withdrawal from the candidacy, Saudi Arabia becomes the only nation interested in organizing this major world football event.
Saudi Arabia expressed its intention to bid shortly after FIFA’s announcement and now has a high chance of winning the bid. This would mark a significant milestone for the country, which seeks to position itself as a leading destination for international sporting events. Hosting the FIFA World Cup would not only be a global showcase for Saudi Arabia, but it would also boost the development of the country’s sports and tourism infrastructure.
This strategic choice by Saudi Arabia demonstrates its desire to diversify its image and promote sport as a major pillar of its development. By positioning itself as a candidate to host the World Cup, the country hopes to attract worldwide attention and show its ability to host an event of such scale.
However, the move is not without controversy and raises questions about Saudi Arabia’s human rights and foreign policy. The country has been criticized for its human rights abuses and reputation for freedom of expression. Some football players and human rights activists have expressed concerns about hosting a World Cup in a country that does not fully respect the universal values of respect for human rights.
It now remains to be seen how FIFA will react to this unique candidacy from Saudi Arabia. The final decision will be made in a vote by FIFA members, who will assess not only the organizational capabilities of the potential host country, but also its compliance with the organization’s principles and values.
Either way, Saudi Arabia is already preparing to host a historic event and showcase its potential as a sporting nation. If chosen as the host country for the 2034 World Cup, it will represent a major milestone in the history of Saudi football and open up new opportunities for the promotion of the sport in the region. It remains to be seen whether this sporting event can also serve as a springboard for improvements in human rights and social reforms in Saudi Arabia.