FIFA unsurprisingly awards the two World Cups 2030 and 2034

Spain, Morocco, and Portugal in 2030, followed by Saudi Arabia in 2034: FIFA formalized this Wednesday, December 11, the locations of the next two editions of the World Cup. If the decision was officially validated during the Congress, the outcome was no longer in doubt for a long time since each candidacy remained alone in the running. Both candidacies were also validated by general acclamation. The vote by members of Congress was clear rejoiced Gianni Infantino. “The centenary ceremony as part of the 2030 FIFA World Cup is awarded to Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. The host country of the 2034 World Cup will be Saudi Arabia, congratulations»concluded the FIFA president.

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The 2030 World Cup will be entitled to its symbolic nod with this ceremony in South America, in homage to the first edition of the tournament in 1930 in Uruguay. The three inaugural matches of the competition will take place in Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. Initially marked by multiple ambitions, particularly European and Asian, the projects have evolved over time. Ukraine was ousted from the European bid in favor of Morocco, and South American countries gave up a full organization in exchange for three matches in their countries. This hybrid configuration constitutes a first in the history of world Football.

Saudi Arabia confirmed in its sporting ambitions

As for the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia, the only one still in the running, after the withdrawal of Australia and Indonesia, and the shelving of China's footballing ambitions, has therefore officially been inducted. Beyond the logistical challenge, the competition should take place in winter and not in summer, as during the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. And as for its small Arab neighbor, the attribution of the World Cup to the Kingdom is today at the heart of several controversies.

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Several European media, including the Guardianthus pointed the finger at the country for the various breaches of human rights. FIFA could even be accused of manslaughter if the institution continues to turn a blind eye to human rights violations on stadium construction sites. More recently, it was the Norwegian Football Association which criticized the bidding process for the 2030 and 2034 men's World Cups, calling it “imperfect and incompatible with the principles of FIFA's own reforms“. A case which has not stopped making headlines.