FIFA Backs Saudi Arabia as Sole Bidder for 2034 World Cup

Human rights groups criticize FIFA’s evaluation as concerns over worker protections and environmental impact persist.

FIFA's evaluation report awarded Saudi Arabia a record score of 4.2 out of 5, citing strong commercial and infrastructure plans but labeling human rights risks as 'medium.'
Saudi Arabia remains the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup after an expedited bidding process left no serious competition; formal approval is expected on December 11.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned FIFA's report, warning of potential worker exploitation and insufficient reforms in Saudi Arabia's legal framework.
The tournament's timing remains uncertain due to Saudi Arabia's extreme summer temperatures, overlapping events, and the holy month of Ramadan, suggesting another winter World Cup may be required.
FIFA claims the tournament could catalyze positive human rights reforms in Saudi Arabia, but critics argue that the promises made lack enforceability and meaningful commitments.