Riyadh – FIFA inaugurated Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup. Meanwhile, the 2030 World Cup was held in three countries, Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
The decision was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino following an extraordinary congress conducted virtually, Wednesday (11/12/2024) afternoon local time. There is only one participant in each bidding to host the two World Cups.
As a result, 211 FIFA members agreed with the decision to appoint the countries to host the World Cup.
“We want to bring football to many countries and the quality of the tournament will not decrease due to the increase in the number of teams. It will actually increase their chances,” Infantino said about his decision to appoint the host of the 2030 World Cup as quoted by ESPN.
For the 2030 World Cup which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the tournament, FIFA plans to hold the opening three matches in Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. Incidentally, the three of them had volunteered to host the 2030 World Cup but withdrew.
Because Uruguay was the host in the inaugural edition of the 1930 World Cup, with Centenario Stadium as the final venue.
Meanwhile, for the 2034 edition, FIFA really wants to give another chance to Asian and Oceania countries. Indonesia and Australia reportedly wanted to propose a co-host but failed.
Therefore, FIFA decided that Saudi Arabia would be the host so that the tournament would be held in winter, namely November-December, just like Qatar 2022.
This decision will arguably cause a long debate considering that many players and clubs do not agree with the World Cup being held in the middle of the competition season. This will disrupt the rhythm of the team and potentially make players injured.
Legal! 2034 World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia
