FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, following the kingdom’s unopposed bid. 

The decision highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in global sports and aligns with its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy and enhance its international profile.

In a separate announcement, FIFA confirmed that the 2030 World Cup will be hosted jointly by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with additional celebratory matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. This unique arrangement marks the centenary of the tournament, which began in Uruguay in 1930. 

The games will span three continents and six nations, an unprecedented move in World Cup history.

While the decisions are celebrated for their symbolic and global reach, they have sparked debates about FIFA’s hosting criteria, particularly concerning human rights issues in Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, both tournaments are set to bring significant economic, cultural, and sporting impacts to their host nations, showcasing FIFA’s ambition to unite the world through football.