FIFA officially confirmed on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant moment in the kingdom’s increasing presence on the global sports stage. The decision, however, has drawn attention to the ongoing human rights discussions, particularly concerning the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in the region.

At the same time, FIFA also announced that the 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, with three matches to be held in South America, a historic first for the tournament.

As the spotlight shifts to Saudi Arabia, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reassured the football community of the organization’s commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination. “We are aware of the concerns raised by critics, and we trust our hosts to address all outstanding issues and deliver a FIFA World Cup that lives up to expectations,” Infantino said in his closing remarks.

The decision to award Saudi Arabia the World Cup has sparked renewed conversations about human rights, echoing debates that surrounded the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has committed to ensuring that all fans, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, will be safe and welcome during the 2034 tournament.

In a statement following the announcement, the English Football Association (FA) confirmed its support for both the 2030 and 2034 bids. The FA noted that its board had met with Saudi football officials last month to discuss the details of the country’s bid.

“We made it clear that the safety and inclusion of all fans, including LGBTQ+ individuals, were paramount. We received assurances from the Saudi authorities that they are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees,” the FA said.

The FA reiterated that football is a universal sport, embracing diversity and inclusion across all cultures and religions. “We believe that hosting major tournaments like the World Cup can be a force for positive change, and we are committed to collaborating with FIFA, UEFA, and the host nation to ensure that human rights commitments are fully respected and upheld,” the statement added.

With the 2034 World Cup now confirmed for Saudi Arabia, all eyes will be on the nation as it prepares to host the world’s largest sporting event, and as it faces global scrutiny on how it addresses these critical issues.

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