2034 FIFA World Cup

• 1. The Accelerated Bid

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  On the 4th of October 2023, the bidding process for the 2034 FIFA World Cup officially began. The timeline moved with unusual speed compared to previous tournaments. FIFA initially set requirements similar to those used for the 2030 event. These rules demanded seven existing stadiums with a minimum capacity of 40,000 seats. The organization later lowered this requirement to just four such venues. This change allowed Saudi Arabia to qualify despite having fewer large stadiums than originally needed.

  FIFA restricted hosting eligibility to Asia or Oceania after deciding to split the 2030 tournament across three continents. This policy shift effectively eliminated all other potential bidders from Europe, Africa, and South America. On the 31st of October 2023, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that Saudi Arabia would host the event. The announcement came only weeks after the bidding process started. Interested nations had just 25 days to express their intent to host before the deadline passed.

  Saudi Arabia was the sole nation to submit an expression of interest within that short window. No other country entered the race against them. The decision was formally confirmed on the 11th of December 2024 during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress meeting in Zürich. The vote took place as an acclamation rather than a contested ballot. Reports by The New York Times described Infantino's private diplomacy efforts as key to securing the bid.

• 2. Venues And Cities

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  The official list of proposed stadiums was confirmed on the 31st of July 2024 through the bid book. Five cities were selected to host matches: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Neom, and Abha. A total of 15 stadiums will be used for the tournament. Five of these venues are existing structures scheduled for renovation. Ten new stadiums are under construction or planned for development.

  Riyadh will host matches at King Salman International Stadium with a capacity of 92,760 seats. Other venues include King Fahd Sports City Stadium which holds 70,200 spectators after renovation. Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium is another new facility designed for 46,979 fans. Jeddah will see action at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium holding 62,345 people. Neom features NEOM Stadium with a capacity of 46,010.

  Two FIFA Fan Festival locations have been proposed for each host city. The group draw ceremony will take place at the Line Convention Center located in The Line project within Neom. These venues represent significant infrastructure investment across the kingdom. The scale of construction aims to accommodate large crowds while showcasing modern architectural designs.

• 3. Rights And Resistance

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  The selection of Saudi Arabia as host has attracted controversy since the start due to human rights violations in the country. Law experts, human rights activists, and Saudi dissidents have asked FIFA to pressure the nation to improve its record. The trade union Building and Wood Workers' International warned that awarding the tournament violated their conditions regarding human rights.

  Clifford Chance conducted an assessment of human rights in the country but faced criticism from eleven rights organizations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness stated that little was done to ensure hosts met risk assessments despite reforms after the 2015 corruption case. The Norwegian federation later abstained from voting on the 11th of December.

  On the 11th of November 2024, Amnesty International called on FIFA to stop the bidding process citing human rights concerns. United States Senators Ron Wyden and Dick Durbin urged FIFA not to award the World Cup to Saudi Arabia three days before the vote. They highlighted risks for citizens, workers, athletes, tourists, and press members. Helene Elatr, widow of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, asked FIFA to honor her late husband during the tournament given allegations against the government.

• 4. Deaths And Investigations

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  On the 12th of March 2025, the first migrant worker death was reported during construction activities. Muhammad Arshad originally from Pakistan died while working on the Aramco Stadium in Khobar. He fell to his death from an upper level of the stadium under construction. This incident marked a tragic milestone in the building phase of the tournament venues.

  In May 2025, FairSquare and Human Rights Watch reported numerous deaths among migrant workers. Causes included decapitation, electrocution, and falls from heights. Reports indicated that Saudi authorities were failing to protect workers from these preventable deaths. Authorities also did not investigate workplace incidents or ensure compensation for families of those who died.

  Migrant laborers predominantly come from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The top five nationalities involved are India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt. Amnesty International stated that the human cost of awarding the World Cup to Saudi Arabia was high. They warned that many more would die if conditions remained unchanged. The lack of transparency regarding fatalities has drawn international condemnation.

• 5. Alcohol And Social Rules

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  On the 12th of February 2025, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud stated that alcohol would not be sold during the tournament. This ban applies to all venues including hotels hosting matches. The prohibition extends to any location where fans might gather to watch games.

  Reports emerged suggesting the ban on alcohol could be lifted in 2026. These reports claimed limited sales might occur at tourist areas such as hotels and fan festivals. Saudi authorities denied these claims about future policy shifts. The contradiction between official statements and media reports creates uncertainty for visitors planning their trip.

  The decision reflects broader social policies within the kingdom. Alcohol consumption remains restricted under local laws outside of specific licensed zones. The tournament rules align with existing cultural norms while attempting to balance international expectations. Fans traveling to attend matches must navigate these restrictions carefully when attending events.

• 6. Climate And Scheduling

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  Owing to Saudi Arabia's climate, sporting events typically take place during cooler months. Peak summer months present difficult conditions with daily mean temperatures reaching extreme levels between May and September. Minimum nighttime temperatures remain high even after sunset. The weather makes outdoor activity dangerous without proper precautions.

  When Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup, organizers held matches in November and December to ensure comfortable playing conditions. Speculation suggests the 2034 tournament may follow a similar schedule. European football leagues generally run from August until May so winter scheduling would interrupt club seasons.

  Other potential issues include Ramadan falling in December or January. Saudi Arabia also hosts the 2034 Asian Games in Riyadh during those same months. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he is open to considering rescheduling because of religious observances. The International Olympic Committee stated no risk exists for clashes with the Winter Olympics scheduled for February 2034 in Salt Lake City.