FIFA’s evaluation report on Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup has categorized the proposal as a “medium risk” for human rights, citing that implementing necessary reforms could require “significant time and effort.” The report, released on November 30, precedes the FIFA Congress on December 11, where votes will determine the hosts for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments.
Saudi Arabia is the sole candidate for the 2034 World Cup, while Morocco, Spain, and Portugal have submitted a joint bid for the 2030 edition, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay set to host matches in honor of the tournament’s centenary.
FIFA praised Saudi Arabia’s bid as a “very strong all-round proposition,” noting high scores in infrastructure, both sporting and general, as well as commercial potential. However, the report raised concerns about human rights challenges, stating, “The undertaking involved in implementing the various measures… particularly in certain areas, could involve significant effort and time.”
Despite these concerns, FIFA acknowledged the potential of the tournament to act as a “catalyst” for ongoing and future reforms in Saudi Arabia, potentially driving positive human rights outcomes in the country and the region beyond the scope of the World Cup.
Saudi Arabia, which plans to construct several stadiums for the tournament, is considering hosting the World Cup in winter, as Qatar did in 2022. Human rights issues, a contentious topic during Qatar’s World Cup, are likely to dominate discussions leading up to 2034.
Rights groups have criticized Saudi Arabia for mass executions, allegations of torture, and restrictions on women under the male guardianship system. Free expression remains highly constrained, with some individuals receiving long prison sentences for critical social media posts.
The country has also been accused of “sportswashing,” using major events such as Formula One and the WTA tennis finals to improve its global image while diverting attention from its human rights record.
Saudi Arabia’s bid follows a trend of major sporting events hosted in the Middle East and Asia. The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was the first in the region, while Japan and South Korea co-hosted the 2002 World Cup, showcasing the growing influence of Asian and Arab nations in global sports.
As FIFA prepares for its final decision, Saudi Arabia’s ability to address human rights concerns and deliver on its ambitious plans will be closely scrutinized.
