Saudi Arabia set to host 2034 World Cup after Australia opt out

Australia has decided not to submit a bid for hosting the 2034 Men's World Cup, effectively paving the way for Saudi Arabia to host the tournament. Football Australia made this decision just hours before FIFA's deadline for expressions of interest. As of now, Saudi Arabia is the sole country participating in the bidding process.

A statement from Football Australia confirmed the decision: "We have come to the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 tournament." The 2026 World Cup will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, while the 2030 tournament will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with matches also taking place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

FIFA has announced that the 2034 World Cup will be held in Asia or Oceania, and Australia's potential bid was seen as the only challenge to Saudi Arabia's hosting aspirations. Despite support from the Asian Football Confederation, Saudi Arabia is likely to be considered a controversial host due to its track record of human rights abuses, restrictions on women's rights, criminalization of homosexuality, curbing freedom of expression, and involvement in the Yemen conflict.

The international reputation of Saudi Arabia was severely tarnished following the 2018 assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, a US-based Saudi journalist and vocal critic of the government. Human rights advocates argue that Saudi Arabia is using sport to divert attention from long-standing reputation issues, a practice referred to as 'sports-washing.'

Similar to the 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar, the 2034 edition would probably be held in the winter due to extreme summer heat. Saudi Arabia has hosted various major sporting events since 2018, including football, Formula 1, golf, and boxing.

Saudi Arabia's sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, stated that the World Cup bid "constitutes an important and natural step in our journey as a country passionate about football." Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia also indicated the willingness to embrace "sports-washing" as a means to boost the nation's economy.