Saudi Arabia's uncontested journey to hosting 2034 World Cup: How did it happen?

It is truly remarkable how swiftly the tides can turn in a mere 27 days.  

On October 4, FIFA opened the doors for potential bids to host the 2034 World Cup. In a matter of moments, Saudi Arabia promptly announced its intent to be a host. Soon after, the president of the Asian Football Confederation lent his support to their bid. Like a domino effect, more than 100 football federations followed suit, expressing their backing.  

And on Tuesday, it has been confirmed that Saudi Arabia stands alone as the sole bidder to host the tournament, as Australia decided against competing. With such overwhelming backing and no other contenders, the likelihood of a second World Cup taking place in the Gulf region within a span of 12 years appears all but certain. 

The hosts for the 2034 World Cup will be formally ratified during a FIFA congress scheduled for late 2024. It is worth noting that the 2026 World Cup has been awarded to the United States, Mexico and Canada as joint hosts. Looking ahead to the 2030 edition, Spain, Portugal and Morocco have joined forces to secure the hosting rights. 

In an Instagram post, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his delight at the global nature of the showpiece event. 

"Three editions, five continents and 10 countries involved in staging matches in the tournament – that's making football truly global," he said. "As we live in an increasingly divided and aggressive world, we show once again that football, the leading global sport, unites like nothing else." 

The absence of a formal voting process for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cup host selections has raised concerns. FIFA may argue that this method of appointing hosts through uncontested bids is preferable to the previous system, marred by extended competitions among numerous countries that were susceptible to issues such as corruption and bribery. 

However, the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the recent host selections is likely to leave many feeling uneasy. The process's opacity may be perceived as compromising the integrity of the decision-making process, potentially undermining public trust in FIFA's procedures.

Meanwhile, it's highly likely that, similar to the 2022 World Cup, the 2034 edition would be scheduled to take place during the winter months again due to the extreme heat in the summer.  

But one notable difference could be the approach to infrastructure. Instead of constructing new stadiums, there may be a focus on modernizing existing facilities, which would potentially result in a more environmentally friendly tournament compared to the preparations undertaken by Qatar.  

Saudi Arabia has already made significant strides in hosting major sporting events in recent years. Since 2018, they have successfully organized various high-profile competitions, including football, Formula 1, golf and boxing. The Saudi Pro League has made significant waves in the world by securing the talents of renowned players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema.

Moreover, they are set to host the Club World Cup in December, further solidifying their position as a destination for prestigious sporting tournaments. Notably, Saudi Arabia has also engaged in discussions with the women's tennis tour regarding the possibility of hosting the WTA Finals. Winning the bid to host the World Cup would undoubtedly mark another momentous milestone in their sporting journey.

The apparent favor shown towards Saudi Arabia by FIFA is evident. The governing body of world football has eased its stadium requirements for the 2034 World Cup bidding process, reducing the necessary number of established venues from seven to just four. Interestingly enough, this adjustment aligns perfectly with the number of stadiums that Saudi Arabia already possesses.  

Football Australia's chief executive James Johnson acknowledged Saudi Arabia's significant resources and emphasized that their bid extended beyond just the hosting of the World Cup. This recognition likely played a role in their assessment of the competition and ultimately influenced their decision to step back from the bidding process. 

"They are disrupting European football, paying higher dollars. This is a disruption in the market and that is what positions Saudi in a strong way," said Johnson. "From the government, top down, they are prioritizing investment in football. That is difficult to compete with." 

While Saudi Arabia may face backlash and scrutiny, it is inevitable that comparisons will be drawn to Qatar's successful staging of the World Cup. Despite facing significant challenges, Qatar's tournament was widely regarded as a resounding success by many who experienced it firsthand.  

"The 2034 FIFA World Cup is our invitation to the world to witness Saudi Arabia's development, experience its culture and become part of its history," read a statement from Yasser Al Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. 

With 11 years on their side, Saudi Arabia now has ample time to sway the doubters and skeptics. However, the scrutiny surrounding their bid is unlikely to dissipate easily. The world will continue to closely monitor their progress, ensuring that every step they take is subjected to meticulous examination.