FIFA makes controversial choice for 2034 World Cup host

FIFA opted for a unique two-continent setup and a controversial selection for the host nations of the 2030 and 2034 men's World Cups.

Soccer's governing body voted Wednesday to celebrate the World Cup's 100th anniversary on two continents across six countries in South America and Europe in 2030 and then have its men's tournament return to the Middle East four years later in Saudi Arabia.

Introducing the hosts for the next two editions of the @FIFAWorldCup! 🏆

Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host in 2030, with centenary celebration matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Four years later, Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup 2034™. pic.twitter.com/WdOEdNEVxH
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) December 11, 2024

The 2030 World Cup will return to the site of FIFA's first tournament in Uruguay with the opening game played in Montevideo. The second and third games will be played in Argentina and Paraguay, respectively, before the remainder of the tourney plays out in Morocco, Portugal and Spain, the host nation of the 1982 World Cup.

The six-country bid ran unopposed and was approved at the FIFA Congress meeting in Zurich. Voting members also gave their OK to the unopposed bid of Saudi Arabia despite concerns over the country's human rights record, namely the alleged abuse of migrant workers.

Amnesty International condemned FIFA's selection of Saudi Arabia as a “moment of great danger” for human rights.

“FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk," said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Labour Rights and Sport.

2034 WORLD CUP AWARDED TO SAUDI ARABIA

Despite warnings from human-rights groups—and global outcry over migrant deaths at Qatar 2022—Saudi Arabia has been named host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. A jerryrigged vote followed FIFA’s manufacturing of unprecedented 3-continent,… pic.twitter.com/ovZjtBV3VA
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) December 11, 2024

FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the World Cup in Saudi Arabia a “unique catalyst for positive social change and unity," echoing the same message when Qatar was controversially chosen to host the 2022 World Cup.

“I fully trust our hosts to address all open points in this process, and deliver a World Cup that meets the world’s expectations,” Infantino said.

FIFA makes controversial choice for 2034 World Cup host nation

By Joe Lago | 5:58 PM EST