Recently, FIFA has been engaging in discussions with potential future hosts of the men’s World Cup, including Saudi Arabia. This comes on the heels of the Paris Olympics, where FIFA has been receiving formal bid books from seven member federations who are vying to host the World Cups of 2030 and 2034.
The 2030 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Each of these countries will host a portion of the tournament’s 104 games. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia stands as the sole candidate for the 2034 World Cup, a bid that was expedited by FIFA last year.
Both the 2030 and 2034 World Cup bids will undergo a thorough evaluation process, with detailed plans for stadiums, accommodation, training facilities, transportation, and security to be scrutinized. FIFA plans to publish an evaluation report on the bids by the end of the year.
In addition to evaluating the logistical aspects of the bids, FIFA will also conduct an assessment of the candidates’ human rights record in hosting the tournament. This move comes after FIFA introduced a human rights policy following controversial decisions to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.
The upcoming World Cup host decisions mark a departure from the conventional model, with the 2026 tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This edition will feature 48 teams instead of the usual 32, paving the way for a new era in World Cup history.
FIFA’s engagement with future World Cup hosts represents a pivotal moment in the organization’s history. By incorporating assessments of human rights obligations and evaluating bid proposals meticulously, FIFA is setting a new standard for transparency and accountability in the selection process for hosting prestigious international events. The upcoming World Cups in 2030 and 2034 promise to bring together diverse nations in a celebration of sport, culture, and unity.
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