FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, while Portugal, Morocco, and Spain will host the 2030 tournament. The decision to select Saudi Arabia was praised by Infantino, but has faced criticism due to the country’s human rights record. Various organizations have expressed concern about potential exploitation and abuse of workers in Saudi Arabia, citing previous incidents in Qatar, including the deaths of migrant workers during the 2022 World Cup construction. Saudi Arabia has been accused of imprisoning women’s rights activists, killing journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and carrying out mass executions. The upcoming World Cups are set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026, and in Brazil in 2027 for the Women’s World Cup. The announcement of Saudi Arabia as the 2034 host has sparked calls for FIFA to ensure human rights protections are in place to prevent further abuses during the tournament.
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Human rights groups criticize decision to award 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia
