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In a landmark decision made during a virtual FIFA Conference on December 13, 2024, FIFA confirmed the hosts for the next two editions of the World Cup. The 2034 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the Middle Eastern nation will hold the prestigious tournament. Meanwhile, the 2030 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with special centenary matches set to be held in South America, including Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. On social media platform X, FIFA shared the news, stating:
"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."
This announcement comes as part of a broader initiative to celebrate the 100th edition of the tournament in 2030, with the first three matches scheduled to be played at the iconic Estadio Centenario in Uruguay.
The 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia: A Controversial Decision
While the 2030 bid received little controversy, the 2034 World Cup choice has sparked a considerable amount of criticism, particularly concerning human rights and environmental concerns. Saudi Arabia's bid, which was uncontested, has led to widespread condemnation from human rights groups, environmental activists, and some soccer figures.
Human Rights Concerns
Michael Page, Deputy Director of Human Rights Watch's Middle East and North Africa division, strongly criticized FIFA’s decision, stating:
"FIFA has totally thrown their human rights policy right in the garbage can for this."
Page went on to explain that Saudi Arabia's heavy investments in high-profile events, including the FIFA World Cup, are part of the nation's larger "sportswashing" efforts, aimed at improving its international image amidst criticism of its human rights record. He noted that Saudi Arabia has used sports as a tool to deflect attention from its controversial practices and governance, which include strict crackdowns on free speech, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.
In the case of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, human rights groups reported that thousands of migrant workers had died during the construction of tournament infrastructure, a tragedy that many fear could be replicated in Saudi Arabia, given its larger migrant workforce. Saudi Arabia's migrant labor force, which totals around 13.4 million, is reportedly subjected to similar abuses faced by workers in Qatar.
Page emphasized the seriousness of the situation:
"Many migrant worker deaths in Saudi Arabia are unexplained, uninvestigated, and uncompensated."
Concerns Over Free Speech and Authoritarian Laws
In addition to labor rights issues, Saudi Arabia’s authoritarian governance structure raises concerns about the freedoms of individuals who may try to speak out during the tournament. As Steve Cockburn, Head of Labor Rights and Sport at Amnesty International, pointed out:
"The ability for a worker or journalist or a human rights activist to point out problems and criticize the government is nearly zero."
Amnesty has voiced concerns that the World Cup in Saudi Arabia will exacerbate the regime's crackdown on dissidents, especially given the country’s troubling record of executing individuals for minor offenses and its severe restrictions on free speech. Human rights organizations fear that any dissent during the 2034 World Cup would be met with retribution, including prison sentences or worse.
Environmental and Climate Activism Opposition
In addition to human rights issues, environmentalists have expressed strong opposition to Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup, due to the country's prominent role in the global oil market. Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, has long been accused of using its wealth from oil to influence global politics and delay progress on climate action.
Frank Huisingh, the founder of Fossil Free Football, condemned FIFA's decision to award the World Cup to Saudi Arabia, saying:
"The same FIFA president who calls climate change 'one of the most pressing challenges of our time' has massively expanded the footprint of the World Cup and ensured that it is hosted by a regime that is all in on selling oil and stopping climate action."
Despite the backlash, FIFA's decision is driven by the growing influence of mega-sponsors like Aramco, which heavily funds the global football ecosystem. FIFA’s willingness to expand the World Cup’s footprint, including adding new venues and teams, is seen by many as an attempt to increase revenues. However, the political, human rights, and environmental implications of awarding Saudi Arabia the 2034 tournament may tarnish FIFA's reputation and continue to spark global debate.
As FIFA continues its efforts to commercialize the sport on a global scale, it must also confront the growing criticism that hosting the World Cup in Saudi Arabia sends the wrong message about the organization’s commitment to human rights and sustainability.
The Bigger Picture: Centenary Celebration and South America’s Role
Meanwhile, attention is also turning to the 2030 World Cup, which will mark the centenary of the tournament. This historic edition of the World Cup will see matches held across three continents, with South America playing a key role. The first three games will be hosted in Uruguay, marking the centenary of the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, which was also played in Uruguay. Alongside Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will also be part of the 2030 World Cup host nations.
