The 2034 men’s football World Cup has been awarded to Saudi Arabia, while the 2030 tournament will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, as confirmed by FIFA.
To commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the competition, three matches in 2030 will also be played in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
FIFA finalised the hosts for both tournaments during an Extraordinary Congress meeting on Wednesday, held via video link with representatives from all 211 member nations.
Members voted to select Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina as centenary hosts, and Spain, Portugal, and Morocco for 2030, along with Saudi Arabia for 2034.
They cast votes by clapping in front of their cameras in a process called “acclamation.”
For all three decisions, only one voting option was available. FIFA’s secretary general, Mattias Grafstrom, explained that all 211 member associations had effectively submitted their votes prior to the congress.
Norway abstained from voting due to concerns about the FIFA World Cup bidding process, not specifically because of Saudi Arabia’s selection.
Switzerland’s football association requested its observations be noted in the congress minutes, having previously approved Saudi Arabia’s bid on the condition that FIFA and the International Labour Organization monitor human rights compliance.
The Danish Football Union (DBU) expressed mixed feelings, supporting the combined bids but criticising the lack of competition in the bidding process.
DBU chairman Jesper Moller stated that more bids for both tournaments would have been preferable and emphasised the need for FIFA to ensure human rights improvements.
Saudi Arabia’s selection has drawn criticism, with allegations of “sportswashing” aimed at enhancing its global image despite ongoing concerns about its human rights record and environmental impact.
Of the 15 stadiums planned for the 2034 World Cup, only four have been constructed so far.
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