FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia will be the host of the 2034 World Cup while Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will be joint hosts for the 2030 tournament with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay staging celebratory games.
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The 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia will also be the first time the expanded 48-team tournament is held in just one country, with the 2026 World Cup being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Matches will take place across 15 stadiums in five host cities in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and Neom.
Riyadh’s King Salman Stadium, with a 92,000-spectator capacity, is expected to be the venue for the opening and final matches once constructed.
Riyadh’s King Salman Stadium, with a 92,000-spectator capacity, is expected to be the venue for the opening and final matches once constructed.
The decision to award Saudi Arabia hosting rights in 2034 is highly controversial, with critics criticizing it for its human rights violations, the criminalization of homosexuality, free-speech restrictions, and lack of women's rights.
However, Saudi Arabia has already hosted several prominent events, including a Formula One Grand Prix, heavyweight boxing matches, the LIV golf circuit financed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, and the WTA Finals in tennis.
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