Saudi Arabia to Host Winter World Cup in 2034 Amid Controversy

Saudi Arabia Set to Host Winter World Cup in 2034 Amid Controversy

It’s official: Saudi Arabia is on track to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and it’s shaping up to be a tournament like no other. According to a FIFA evaluation report, the competition is likely to be held “between October-April” due to “local climatic conditions,” which FIFA has flagged as an “elevated risk.” This means another winter World Cup is on the horizon, following the precedent set by Qatar in 2022.

FIFA is set to formally announce the hosts for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups on December 11. The 2030 tournament will be a historic, centenary celebration, with a combined bid from Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay marking 100 years since the first-ever World Cup in Uruguay in 1930. But all eyes are already on Saudi Arabia, which will become the second Middle Eastern nation to host the prestigious event, following its neighbor Qatar.

Human Rights Concerns and FIFA’s Evaluation

Of course, the decision to award Saudi Arabia the World Cup hasn’t come without its share of controversy. Human rights issues in the country have been a hot topic, but FIFA’s evaluation report scored this as a “medium risk.” Despite the concerns, Saudi Arabia’s bid received an impressive 419.8 points out of 500, the highest evaluation score of any previous World Cup bidder. That’s a statistic that’s hard to ignore.

FIFA acknowledged that improvements in human rights in Saudi Arabia will “take significant effort and time,” but the report also suggested that hosting the World Cup “could help contribute to positive human rights impacts.” It’s a bold statement, and one that will undoubtedly spark debate in the months and years to come.

Stadiums and the “Stadium in the Sky”

Another area of concern highlighted in the report is the country’s infrastructure. Saudi Arabia plans to construct several new stadiums ahead of 2034, which FIFA has labeled a “medium” risk. Among these ambitious projects is the so-called “stadium in the sky,” a futuristic venue planned to be built 350 meters above the ground in the yet-to-be-constructed city of Neom. If completed, it would be a jaw-dropping addition to the tournament, but the timeline and feasibility of such a project remain uncertain.

Timing Controversies: Déjà Vu from Qatar 2022

The timing of the tournament is already raising eyebrows. If the World Cup is held during the winter months, it could once again disrupt major domestic leagues around the world, just as it did during Qatar’s 2022 edition. Back then, leagues were forced to shut down for a month, and seasons were extended to accommodate the tournament. It was a logistical headache for clubs, players, and fans alike.

FIFA, however, seems to be downplaying these concerns. The evaluation report noted that the International Match Calendar for 2034 has yet to be defined, and any decision regarding the timing of the competition would aim to “provide optimal conditions for teams and spectators.” Still, the report acknowledged that the uncertainty over staging dates presents an “elevated risk.”

Religious Events Add Complexity

Adding another layer of complexity to the scheduling is the need to consider significant religious events. Ramadan, the annual Muslim period of fasting and prayer, and the Hajj pilgrimage, which brings over 1.5 million pilgrims to Saudi Arabia each year, will need to be factored into the tournament’s timeline. Balancing these events with the demands of a global sporting spectacle will be no small feat.

What’s Next?

As the countdown to December 11 continues, when FIFA will officially confirm the hosts, the world is watching closely. Saudi Arabia’s bid has already sparked plenty of discussion, and the controversies surrounding human rights, infrastructure, and timing are unlikely to fade anytime soon. But one thing is clear: the 2034 World Cup is set to be a groundbreaking event, for better or worse.

Here’s a quick recap of the key points:

• Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
• The tournament is likely to be held “between October-April” due to extreme heat in the summer.
• FIFA scored Saudi Arabia’s bid 419.8 out of 500, the highest evaluation score ever.
• Concerns over human rights and infrastructure have been flagged as “medium risks.”
• The “stadium in the sky” in Neom is one of the ambitious projects planned for the event.
• Timing controversies and religious events like Ramadan and Hajj add to the complexity.

Whether you’re excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between, one thing is certain: the road to 2034 is going to be an interesting one. Stay tuned for more updates as FIFA makes its final announcements!