2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia

[Chrissivad]

Saudi Arabia is set to host the men's 2034 World Cup after Australia decided against bidding to stage the tournament.

Football Australia confirmed its decision only hours before Fifa's deadline for declarations of interest on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia is the only other nation to bid.

"We have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition," read a statement from Football Australia.

The 2026 World Cup will take place in the US, Mexico and Canada.

Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host the 2030 tournament, with matches also in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67271423


I wonder how big a bag their conclusion was...

 

[Gutter Boy]

I'm not sure it will happen. If oil is phased out at the rate it's predicted this next decade, Saudi will be bankrupt and probably descended into civil war long before then

 

[DubSpur]

I'm not sure it will happen. If oil is phased out at the rate it's predicted this next decade, Saudi will be bankrupt and probably descended into civil war long before then

It's hard to know if you're serious at times or just live in your own little world.

 

[Robbo]

Most predictable decision this year, but still ridiculous. It's got fudge all to do with football. FIFA would award the WC to The Vatican state if they paid enough.

 

[stratnumberone]

Most predictable decision this year, but still ridiculous. It's got fudge all to do with football. FIFA would award the WC to The Vatican state if they paid enough.

Second most predictable: after Messi winning the Balloon Thingy.

 

[Baleforce]

Second most predictable: after Messi winning the Balloon Thingy.

its officially known as the Jules Rimet trophy, but yes, it looks a bit like a hot air balloon

 

[Rorschach]

It will be too hot to play there by then. Not happening.

 

[Baleforce]

It will be too hot to play there by then. Not happening.

it'll be too hot to play in London by then

 

[Lemonade Money]

its officially known as the Jules Rimet trophy, but yes, it looks a bit like a hot air balloon

It's officially known as the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

 

[Jurgen the German]

Mixed feelings on this. The 2022 World Cup was arguably the most entertaining and enjoyable World Cup ever after a lack of enthusiasm in the run up to the tournament. But there’s no getting away from the human rights abuses that still exist in Saudi Arabia and it’s hard to swallow that they are being rewarded by FIFA giving them the most prestigious sporting event in the world.

 

[stratnumberone]

It's officially known as the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

Although I thought there were dodgy goings on wrt to favouring Argentina and France during the tournament, I actually wasn’t referring to the Jules Rimet (which probably isn’t still gleaming) or the World Cup. I was referring to the utterly pointless Ballon D’Or, which will presumably continue to be awarded to old Lionel every year even after his retirement.