Saudi Arabia to Host 2034 Men’s FIFA World Cup; 2030 Edition Spans Multiple Continents
Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 men’s FIFA World Cup, while the 2030 edition will be jointly organized by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with special celebratory matches in three South American countries, FIFA confirmed on Wednesday.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino made the announcement following a virtual extraordinary Congress. Both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups had single bids and were approved by acclamation.
“We are bringing football to more countries, and the increase in teams has not diluted the quality—it has enhanced opportunities,” said Infantino about the expanded format for the 2030 tournament.
The 2030 World Cup will be unique, spanning three continents and six nations. The joint bid by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will feature celebratory matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to honor the centenary of the first World Cup, hosted by Uruguay in 1930.
For Morocco, Portugal, and Paraguay, this marks their debut as World Cup hosts, while Spain and Argentina have previously hosted the tournament.
In 2034, Saudi Arabia will become the second Middle Eastern country to host the prestigious event, following Qatar’s successful staging of the 2022 World Cup. This landmark decision highlights the region’s growing prominence in global sports and underscores the Middle East’s role as a dynamic hub for major international tournaments.
Dubai, already established as a premier destination for football fans with state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant sporting culture, is expected to play a pivotal role in the region’s celebrations leading up to the 2034 tournament. With its proximity to Saudi Arabia and its world-class infrastructure, Dubai could attract significant international visitors during the event, further cementing its status as a global sports destination.
Source : Khaleejtimes