2034 FIFA World Cup: Saudi Arabia set to host after Australia does not bid

After Australia decided not to bid, Saudi Arabia is set to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. Football Australia confirmed its decision against bidding hours before FIFA's deadline for declarations of interest on Tuesday ended. Saudi Arabia is the only other nation to bid. Football Australia said in a statement,"We have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition."

Australia opts out

FIFA invited bids from Asia and Oceania for the tournament by October 31. Earlier, Football Australia President James Johnson said the country was "exploring the possibility" of 2034, but the FA governing body said on Tuesday that it would instead focus on bids for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup.


Australia hosted a successful Women's World Cup this year but has never hosted a men's World Cup.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, FA said, "We believe we are in a strong position to host the oldest women’s international competition in the world, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 - and then welcome the greatest teams in world football for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup."

Asian Football Confederation backs Riyadh

After withdrawal of Australia, the president of the Asian Football Confederation, the sport's continental governing body said that "the entire Asian football family" would stand united in support of the Saudi bid.

Earlier, Indonesia said it was talking to Australia about a possible joint bid along with Malaysia and Singapore. But a week later it backed Saudi Arabia's bid .

Saudi Arabia accused of 'sportswashing'

The Saudi Royal family has been accused of using sports to improve the image of the country and spending a huge amount of money in doing so. This process is called 'sportswashing.' Responding to this allegation, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said last month: "If sportswashing is going to increase my GDP by 1%, then we'll continue doing sportswashing."

FIFA World Cup 2026, 2034

The US, Mexico and Canada will jointly host the World Cup 2026. Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host the World Cup 2030 and matches will be held also in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Earlier, Saudi Arabia has hosted many major sporting events since 2018, involving football, Formula One, golf and boxing.

FAQs:

Why did Australia decide against bidding for World Cup 2034?
The Football Australia governing body said on Tuesday that it would instead focus on bids for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup.

What is 'sportswashing'?
The Saudi Royal family has been accused of using sports to improve the image of the country and spending a huge amount of money in doing so. This is called 'sportswashing.'