Saudi Arabia is the only candidate for the 2034 World Cup

It was a simple message from the other side of the world that practically finally cleared the way for Saudi Arabia.

31 October 2023

From: dpa/sn

The Australian association announced on Tuesday that it would not apply for the 2034 World Cup. Depending on confirmation by the FIFA Congress, Saudi Arabia remains the only candidate for the award in a year, which seems to have long been decided by Gianni Infantino's backroom politics.

“We have examined the possibility of bidding to host the FIFA World Cup and, after considering all factors, have concluded not to do so for the 2034 competition,” Football Australia said in a statement. The Australians' slim chances had recently dropped to zero. At the beginning of October, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) supported a Saudi application.

Saudi Arabian fans before a friendly game. © ANSA / ADAM VAUGHAN

After there was speculation about a joint application from Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand or from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, Indonesia also expressed its support for Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia, which has brought world football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo into its own league and wants to gain an international reputation as a host in many other sports, has already made its intentions clear and is considered the clear favorite.

Over 200 member associations vote

Formally, only the deadline for interested associations to submit initial documents ended on Tuesday. The final application, which will be examined by the world association, must follow before the award is made by a FIFA Congress at the end of 2024. The more than 200 member associations are then allowed to vote; each association has one vote, regardless of size. There may be resistance during the election. As a sporting power, Saudi Arabia has already gained a number of supporters behind it. Also FIFA boss Infantino.

It has long been clear that the games will be played in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026. Infantino developed the awarding of the 2030 and 2034 tournaments into the game of chess. Its council decided that the tournament should begin in 2030 with three games in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. The plan will then move to Morocco, Spain and Portugal. This also has to be formally approved by the FIFA Congress. Due to the rotation principle, only representatives from Asia and Oceania will remain for 2034.

Criticism of the human rights situation

Saudi Arabia, which is hosting the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the year, cannot miss this opportunity. “This is the second step of an extremely exciting journey that the nation is embarking on,” said association head Yasser Al Misehal when the declaration of intent was announced: With the application, “we are continuing our journey to make the dreams of our people become reality.” . Like the previous World Cup host Qatar, the kingdom is criticized for its human rights situation and sportswashing.

The lack of competition in the awarding of the 2030 and 2034 tournaments is also a reason for Amnesty International to hold FIFA particularly accountable. “It is therefore crucial that the world football association takes responsibility and demands binding human rights guarantees from the applicants,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.

Schlagwörter: Soccer Saudi Arabia