Saudi Arabia has officially secured hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking another milestone in the kingdom's ongoing efforts to position itself as a global sports hub. However, critical questions remain regarding logistics, policies, and worker rights as the country prepares for the prestigious event.
Saudi Arabia plans to host all 104 matches across 15 stadiums in five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Al Khobar, and the futuristic Neom project. Eight of these venues, including a 92,000-seat stadium in Riyadh set to host the opening and final matches, are yet to be built. Notably, a proposed stadium in Neom will be perched 350 meters above street level, while another near Riyadh is designed atop a 200-meter cliff with LED screens.
The tournament's timing presents a significant challenge. Traditional June-July dates are unsuitable due to extreme heat exceeding 40°C (104°F). While the November-December window used for the 2022 Qatar World Cup is possible, it overlaps with Ramadan and the Asian Games, complicating scheduling. FIFA has yet to finalize the dates, leaving options like January 2034 under consideration.
The Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan underscores expanded freedoms for women, including attendance at sports events. By 2034, officials expect female fans to enjoy unrestricted access to stadiums, reflecting ongoing societal changes.
The country has also launched a professional women’s soccer league, signaling progress in gender equality in sports.
Saudi Arabia faces scrutiny over labor conditions as it embarks on large-scale stadium construction projects. FIFA has accepted Saudi assurances of labor reforms, but human rights groups remain skeptical. Ensuring the protection of migrant workers will be a critical issue in the years ahead.
The potential participation of Israel, should it qualify, could pose diplomatic challenges. Saudi Arabia’s evolving relationship with Israel was strained by recent regional conflicts, raising questions about inclusivity in the tournament.
Before Saudi Arabia takes the stage in 2034, the 2030 World Cup will span six countries across three continents: Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and South American host nations Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The decision on the final venue for 2030 — contested between Morocco and Spain — remains unresolved.
As the countdown begins, Saudi Arabia faces a decade of planning to address these questions while delivering a World Cup that aligns with its ambitious Vision 2030 goals.