Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup after the nation was confirmed as the sole bidder for the tournament by the governing body.
FIFA announced earlier this month that only bidders from Asia and Oceania would be considered for 2034, citing continental rotation of the tournament.
The move came with Spain, Portugal and Morocco agreeing to stage the 2030 World Cup, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay each hosting one match.
Saudi Arabia presented a letter of intent to host the 2034 event shortly after FIFA’s declaration.
Football Australia, who were viewed as the only likely rivals to a Saudi bid, announced on Tuesday it had decided against bidding to host the tournament.
Countries hoping to host the 2034 World Cup were required to express formal interest by October 31 provide a signed bidding agreement by November 30.
FIFA has now confirmed the declarations of interest for both the 2030 and 2034 tournaments, effectively confirming the hosts of the World Cups.
The announcement of Saudi Arabia as the sole bidder for 2034 has made awarding of the tournament to the nation effectively a foregone conclusion.
The awarding of the tournament to Saudi Arabia would likely require another winter World Cup, with Qatar’s hosting having forced Europe’s top leagues to pause their seasons last November and December.
With temperatures in Saudi Arabia regularly hitting as high as 43 degrees celsius in summer, a winter slot is the only humane option for a World Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting would be met with controversy, despite them expanding their sporting portfolio in recent years with Formula 1, boxing and the recruitment of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League.
