Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup has drawn significant attention following FIFA’s evaluation report, which classified the proposal as a “medium risk” regarding human rights concerns. The report indicated that while the country presents a compelling case for hosting, including robust infrastructure and commercial prospects, the implementation of necessary human rights reforms could demand considerable time and effort. This assessment emerged in conjunction with the FIFA Congress set to take place on December 11, where voting will determine the host nations for both the 2030 and 2034 tournaments. As it stands, Saudi Arabia is the sole contender for 2034, whereas Morocco, Spain, and Portugal are competing for the 2030 event, alongside a joint venture from Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay celebrating the centenary of the tournament.
FIFA acknowledged the promising potential of Saudi Arabia’s bid, which received a notable average score of 4.2 out of 5 in their technical evaluation, surpassing the combined bid from the US, Canada, and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup. However, the report’s cautionary note regarding human rights highlighted the challenges that accompany such a large-scale event in a country known for its contentious human rights record. The organization recognized that while the opportunity exists for the World Cup to instigate positive changes within Saudi Arabia, it will necessitate targeted efforts to address the various human rights issues that have plagued the nation, suggesting the undertaking could emerge as a catalyst for reform.
The backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s bid is particularly contentious given the ongoing scrutiny of the nation’s human rights practices. Rights groups have consistently pointed to a range of violations, including mass executions, torture allegations, and the limitations imposed on women’s rights under the strict male guardianship system. Additionally, the restriction of free expression in Saudi Arabia raises serious concerns, as individuals have faced severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences for posts critical of the government. These issues position the potential World Cup not just as a sporting event but as a litmus test for the country’s approach to human rights and social policy.
A focal point in this debate is the notion of “sportswashing,” a term that has gained traction in discussions about Saudi Arabia’s involvement in international sports. This concept refers to the practice of using high-profile sporting events to divert attention from a nation’s human rights violations, effectively using the appeal of sports to bolster national image. In the wake of the previous World Cup in nearby Qatar, human rights have become a central theme in conversations about the legitimacy and appropriateness of hosting international events in the Middle East, with critics arguing that these tournaments mask deeper societal issues.
Saudi Arabia’s ambitions reflect a broader trend of Arab and Asian nations hosting major sporting events. The success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, along with previous events like the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, illustrates the increasing participation of these regions in global sports. However, this involvement often comes with a dual-edged narrative; while the infrastructure and economic opportunities associated with such events are substantial, the persistent allegations of human rights abuses call into question the moral implications of allowing these nations to host international spectacles.
As the December vote approaches, the intersection of sports, human rights, and national reputation will undeniably shape the discourse surrounding the 2034 World Cup. Saudi Arabia’s bid not only presents logistical and commercial advantages but also serves as a platform for raising awareness of the pressing human rights issues that persist within the nation. The outcome of the vote may provide insights not only into FIFA’s prioritization of sport-related factors over ethical considerations but also into the international community’s response to the complex interplay of culture, governance, and human rights in the realm of global sports.
