Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the global soccer governing body said on October 31, 2023.
FIFA had invited bids from Asia and Oceania for the tournament by October 31, and Saudi Arabia announced it would bid only minutes after the announcement on October 4. Australia said on October 31 it would not be presenting a bid to host the tournament, leaving Saudi Arabia as the only candidate.Saudi Arabia’s bid has been met with criticism from human rights groups, who have raised concerns about the country’s record on human rights and women’s rights.Saudi Arabia has denied the allegations of human rights abuses, and has said that it is committed to hosting a World Cup that is inclusive and welcoming to all.FIFA will now evaluate Saudi Arabia’s bid and make a decision on the host of the 2034 World Cup in 2024.If Saudi Arabia is awarded the 2034 World Cup, it would be the first time that the tournament has been held in the Middle East.