Saudi Arabia set to host 2034 Men's World Cup as Australia withdraws bid
Posted : 31 October 2023
Australia has withdrawn from the running to host the 2034 men's World Cup, leaving Saudi Arabia as the sole remaining bidder. Football Australia's decision to step back came just hours before Fifa's deadline for expressions of interest. The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, while the 2030 tournament will be shared by Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia has emerged as the potential host for the 2034 World Cup, marking another significant event in the country's burgeoning involvement in major international sports. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has welcomed various high-profile sporting events, including football, Formula 1, golf, and boxing. The bid for the World Cup reflects the nation's commitment to developing football and promoting it on a global stage.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Saudi Arabia's sports minister, expressed the significance of the World Cup bid, framing it as a natural progression for a nation deeply passionate about football. However, Saudi Arabia's growing involvement in sports has not been without controversy.
Critics have accused the Gulf kingdom of using sporting events to enhance its international image, a practice known as "sportswashing." This debate came to the forefront when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman openly acknowledged the strategy, suggesting that if "sportswashing" could boost the country's GDP, it would continue to be pursued.
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