ZURICH — Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to become a hub for major sporting events by being officially designated as the host for the 2034 World Cup. The announcement, made on Wednesday, highlights the kingdom’s ambition but leaves numerous questions regarding the tournament logistics and planning, particularly in relation to the 2030 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with a few matches occurring in South America.
One of the primary inquiries centers around the specific venues that will host the games. Saudi Arabia has put forth a proposal featuring 15 stadiums across five cities, although eight of these are still in the conceptual stage. The cities earmarked include Riyadh, which will house eight stadiums, while Jeddah will have four, and one each is proposed for Abha, Al Khobar, and Neom, a futuristic mega-development. Each stadium is projected to have a minimum capacity of 40,000 seats for World Cup matches. The opening and closing ceremonies are expected to take place in a venue designed for 92,000 spectators in Riyadh, with innovative architecture planned, such as a stadium in Neom located 350 meters above street level and another designed on a 200-meter cliff accompanied by retractable LED screens.
The timing of the tournament is also a significant concern. Traditionally held in June and July, these months are marked by extreme heat in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures frequently surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). In response to the climate issue, FIFA shifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to the November-December timeframe, a change that did not sit well with many European clubs. Given that Ramadan extends until mid-December and that Riyadh will host the Asian Games, there are discussions about potentially staging the World Cup in January 2034, despite this timing clashing with the Winter Olympics set to occur in Salt Lake City. Saudi representatives have stated that the final decision on dates rests with FIFA.
Another key topic is the existence of gender-segregated spaces within stadiums. With a push for greater rights and freedoms for women in Saudi society under the Vision 2030 initiative, the country previously permitted women to attend sports events, albeit in sections that were separate from men. By 2034, it is anticipated that such restrictions could be lifted, aligning with ongoing social reforms. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia established a women’s professional soccer league in 2022, allowing female players to participate without the constraints typically enforced regarding attire.
Alcohol policies during the event remain another unanswered question. Current laws in Saudi Arabia strictly prohibit alcohol consumption. This created challenges during the Qatar World Cup, where expectations were raised regarding beer sales that were ultimately not fulfilled. Given Saudi Arabia’s rigid stance on alcohol, it remains uncertain if any leniency might be granted during the World Cup. Recent statements indicate that the aim is to create a family-friendly environment at matches devoid of alcoholic offerings, suggesting a repetition of the restrictive practices seen in Qatar.
Worker rights also promise to be a contentious issue as Saudi Arabia moves to reform its labor laws and ensure the well-being of migrant workers. Similar concerns emerged during Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup, where labor rights were heavily scrutinized. FIFA has expressed its acceptance of Saudi promises for reform, but skepticism abounds among rights organizations, and oversight from global bodies like the International Labor Organization is ongoing.
Another intriguing question involves the potential participation of Israel should it qualify for the World Cup. The trajectory of Saudi-Israeli relations has been fluctuating, and there remains uncertainty over how diplomatic complications could affect Israel’s participation. FIFA generally upholds the principle that any qualifying team should be welcomed regardless of political circumstances, which could lead to tension, mirroring scenarios faced during the men’s Under-20 World Cup when Indonesia blocked Israel’s participation resulting in the tournament’s relocation to Argentina.
Alongside these discussions, the FIFA Congress also addressed the 2030 World Cup, noting its unusual hosting arrangement spread across six countries and three continents. Initial matches will take place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay before continuing in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. The finals are slated for July 21, 2030, with host countries vying for the honor of the final match—Morocco advocating for its newly planned King Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, while Spain has suggested its iconic stadiums for the event.
