FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Instagram that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup.
Australia, the only other candidate, had withdrawn earlier.
Infantino said the future World Cups will span five continents and 10 countries. The final approval will happen in Thailand in May 2024.
The 2026 World Cup will be in North America. Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. will host it. Then, Morocco in Africa and Spain and Portugal in Europe will follow for 2030.
Special opening matches will be in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia had expressed its intent to host since early October. It received support from its Asian neighbors. Australia pulled out on the same day.
The 2034 event will have 48 teams and 104 games. As the host, Saudi Arabia will automatically qualify.
So, the next World Cups are set. They will be in the U.S., Mexico, Canada for 2026, in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco for 2030, and in Saudi Arabia for 2034.
Background
Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup is a milestone. It’s the first time the country will host this global event.
This adds to the growing trend of the World Cup going to new places. Traditionally, European and South American countries dominated as hosts.
The World Cup in Saudi Arabia also reflects FIFA’s global reach. The decision aligns with FIFA’s goal to diversify locations.
This may open the door for other Asian nations in the future. It’s a significant moment in the sport’s history, marking another step in its globalization.