The FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed this afternoon October 31, 2023 something that was imminent: the World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 2034.
Saudi Arabia will follow Spain, Portugal and Morocco, who will host in 2030, after the Australian bid withdrew from the race.
“The greatest show on earth will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and USA in 2026, Morocco, Spain and Portugal in 2030 and Saudi Arabia in 2034,” according to what he posted on his social media, next to a photo with the World Cup.
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“The bidding processes were approved by consensus through the FIFA Council, where all six confederations are represented, after constructive dialogue and extensive consultation.
“Football unites the world like no other sport, and the FIFA World Cup is the perfect showcase for a message of unity and inclusion, as well as providing an important illustration of how different cultures can stand together and learn and understand each other better.
“As we live in an increasingly divided and aggressive world, we show once again that soccer, the world’s leading sport, unites like nothing else.
“We all need these occasions of unity and the upcoming FIFA World Cups provide a unique force for good in this regard.”
Following Qatar’s footsteps
Saudi Arabia will now follow Qatar in hosting the tournament only shortly after the winter World Cup was held there in 2022.
FIFA did have doubts about the popularity of soccer in Saudi Arabia, and whether its momentum would continue until 2034, but those concerns appear to have been satisfied.
