It looks like the World Cup is going back to the Middle East after Australia pulled out of the running to host the 2034 tournament, leaving Saudi Arabia’s bid unopposed
The 2034 World Cup is set to be held in Saudi Arabia following Australia’s withdrawal from the bidding process.
The two countries were set to go head to head in an attempt to secure hosting rights for the tournament, with FIFA announcing that only bidders from Asia and Oceania would be considered. But with Australia pulling out, Saudi Arabia are now running unopposed and could be confirmed as hosts by the end of next month.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Football Australia said: “We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup and – having taken all factors into consideration – we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition.
“Instead, we believe we are in a strong position to host the oldest women’s international competition in the world, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, and then welcome the greatest teams in world football for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.”
Any nations or coalitions that wish to rival to Saudi Arabia’s bid have until midnight tonight [Tuesday] to express formal interest. After that, a signed bidding agreement must be submitted before November 30.
It’ll be the second time in 12 years that the World Cup is staged in the Middle East (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Should the 2034 tournament go to Saudi Arabia it will be the second World Cup to be held in the Middle East in 12 years. Due to the intense summer heat in the Gulf, it’s highly likely the competition will be staged during winter – as it was last year in Qatar.
It comes following a period of gargantuan investment into football by Saudi Arabia. Clubs in the Saudi Pro League took the sport by storm over the summer by signing a boat-load of high profile stars and paying them astronomical wages.
In a formal letter to FIFA signalling the country’s intent to host the World Cup, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Yasser Al Misehal said: “We announced our ambitions to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and this official submission continues our journey to make the dreams of our people a reality.
“We are extremely committed to presenting the most competitive bid possible that will also help unite the world through football,” he added.
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