Saudi Arabia is set to be officially announced as the host of the men's soccer 2034 World Cup by FIFA on Wednesday. This decision marks a significant achievement for the oil-rich kingdom, attributed to substantial investments in global sports spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The bid process, spanning 15 months, was largely conducted behind closed doors, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino playing a pivotal role in steering the bid towards Saudi Arabia, which emerged as the sole candidate. Despite concerns raised by human rights groups regarding the potential risks faced by migrant workers, both FIFA and Saudi officials assert that hosting the 2034 tournament could catalyze positive changes, including advancements in women's rights and freedoms.
