It is official: Saudi Arabia to host FIFA World Cup 2034

The global footballing body, FIFA, has officially announced Saudi Arabia as the host country for the FIFA World Cup 2034. The Gulf state has become the second Middle Eastern country to host the tournament after Qatar staged it in 2022.

There has also been another update regarding the 2030 World Cup. The Extraordinary FIFA Congress meeting has confirmed Morocco, Spain and Portugal as hosts for the edition, and Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina are set to stage celebratory games.

The FIFA World Cup 2034 is going to stage the first-ever 48-team tournament in a single host country. Matches shall be held across 15 stadiums in 5 host cities across Saudi Arabia, including the capital Riyadh and a futuristic city called Neom.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the decision after the meeting on December 11. Riyadh’s King Salman Stadium is likely to host the opening and final matches of the tournament once constructed. It’s going to have a capacity of 92,000 spectators.