FIFA, the world governing body of men’s football, has declared that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup and that Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will share hosting duties for the 2030 competition.
In addition, three 2030 tournament matches will take place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to commemorate the competition’s 100th anniversary.
Following a vote at Wednesday’s Extraordinary Fifa Congress meeting, the hosts for both World Cups were confirmed.
The conference took place via video link with representatives from all 211 of FIFA’s member countries.
Through two different ballots, the hosts of the 2030 centennial festivities and both competitions were confirmed.
Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina were initially chosen to host the centennial.
The second validated Saudi Arabia’s selection as the 2034 tournament’s host and the three 2030 hosts.
By clapping in front of their cameras through their video links, nations cast their votes by “acclamation.”
Because of the bidding procedure, not because Saudi Arabia was chosen as the host, Norway decided not to approve the awarding of the 2034 tournament to Saudi Arabia.
Prior to the vote, Switzerland also requested that their comments be added to the meeting minutes.
In all three decisions just one voting option was available, shrouding the proceedings in controversy.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been accused of “sportswashing,” which is the practice of utilizing its extraordinary spending on sports to enhance the oil-producing kingdom’s standing in relation to its environmental effect and human rights record.
Four of the 15 venues that have been selected to host games at the 2034 World Cup have already been constructed.
