FIFA has officially designated Saudi Arabia as the host country for the 2034 Men’s World Cup, a decision announced during a recent extraordinary congress attended by representatives from around 200 national soccer federations. While this choice has been celebrated by some, it also raises numerous questions that remain unanswered.
The announcement came alongside the approval of a six-nation bid for the 2030 World Cup, which includes Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. These two bids were the only candidates put forward after FIFA president Gianni Infantino facilitated a compromise for the 2030 tournament and hurried the bidding for 2034. As it stands, Saudi Arabia was the only viable bidder for this event, a decision made under the principle of continental rotation and time constraints.
Despite the formal approval, many FIFA officials, including Infantino, have not provided detailed explanations regarding the decision-making process. There has been a notable lack of public communication, with no press conferences addressing the concerns of journalists, including issues related to human rights and the exact scheduling of the tournament. These matters have been a significant point of contention, as global attention has increasingly focused on the rights of workers and other human rights conditions in the kingdom.
One of the pivotal uncertainties surrounds the timing of the tournament. Traditionally, World Cups occur during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, creating a structured global soccer rhythm. However, the extreme summer temperatures in Saudi Arabia, which can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, present challenges. Safeguarding player welfare and spectator comfort are critical, as evidenced during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which had to be relocated to November and December due to similar climate concerns.
In 2034, Riyadh will also be busy hosting the Asian Games just before the World Cup, further complicating the scheduling. Additionally, the observance of Ramadan, a significant month in the Islamic calendar, coincides with World Cup preparations in November and December. This overlap poses tough questions for FIFA regarding the tournament’s dates: could it be pushed to late December or even spill into the following year?
The potential for resistance from European soccer leagues remains another factor in the planning process. The 2022 World Cup disrupted domestic league schedules significantly, leading to complaints from clubs and player unions about the burden on athletes. In 2034, if a winter tournament is planned, it could provoke similar pushback, as leagues would need to accommodate the World Cup in their schedules once again.
FIFA is aware of these complications and has acknowledged the complexity surrounding the event timing in its evaluations. The organization has stressed the importance of considering various factors such as climatic conditions, overlaps with religious events, and the scheduling of other sporting events in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Saudi officials have expressed their commitment to coordinate with FIFA and its stakeholders to determine the ideal dates for the tournament. They have highlighted the need for careful planning, considering not only the timing of the World Cup but also how it fits into the broader context of global sporting events, as well as significant cultural observances.
As excitement grows for the 2034 World Cup, many crucial elements remain unresolved. Will the tournament adapt its scheduling to accommodate both climate and cultural considerations? How will FIFA handle opposition from established leagues and unions regarding player workloads? These questions promise to shape the build-up to what is expected to be a landmark event in the history of soccer, with the world watching closely as plans unfold.
