The FIFA successfully pulled off a magic trick. By granting the 2026 World Cup to the USA-Canada-Mexico trio and organizing the 2030 edition across three continents and six countries (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal, Morocco), the governing body opened the door for Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 World Cup. According to the regulations, only Asia and Oceania were allowed to submit a bid.
With Australia as the only competitor, Saudi Arabia didn’t really have to break a sweat, especially since the nation-continent quickly realized that it was better for them to withdraw, aware of the oil-rich state’s hyper-favorite status. The Saudi bid still needs to be officially declared the winner by the FIFA Council, but on October 31st, Gianni Infantino quickly put an end to the suspense.
The FIFA is reaping the benefits from the Saudis. The “Greatest Show on Earth” will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2026 – in North America. The next two editions of the FIFA World Cup are expected to be hosted in Africa (Morocco) and Europe (Portugal and Spain) – with three celebration matches played in South America (Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) – in 2030 and in Asia (Saudi Arabia) in 2034. Three editions, five continents, and ten countries involved in staging tournament matches – it truly makes football a global sport! The bidding processes were approved by consensus via the FIFA Council – where all six confederations are represented – after constructive dialogue and extensive consultation.”
This news brings joy not only to the Saudi authorities but also to the FIFA. The Times reports that the global football governing body is on the verge of striking a very lucrative deal with the Saudi oil giant, Aramco. Already a partner of Formula 1 and present in cricket and golf, Aramco is set to become one of FIFA’s privileged partners. The deal is expected to last until 2034, approximately ten years, and could bring in around €96 million per year to the FIFA. The two parties have not commented on the news, but if the agreement is signed, a €960 million check will be waiting for the FIFA and Infantino.
