FIFA’s recent evaluation of Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup has reignited debates about human rights and the intersection of sports and politics. The governing body rated the bid as “medium risk” for human rights, citing challenges in implementing reforms that “could take significant time and effort.” While the bid scored an impressive 4.2 out of 5 on FIFA’s technical evaluation—surpassing even the United States, Canada, and Mexico’s joint 2026 bid—concerns about Saudi Arabia’s rights record have cast a shadow over its ambitions.
FIFA acknowledged that Saudi Arabia offers “a very strong all-around proposition” with robust infrastructure and commercial potential. However, it noted that “significant effort” would be required to ensure compliance with international human rights standards, highlighting the elevated risk tied to the bid.
Infrastructure Ambitions and Climate Concerns
Saudi Arabia’s bid is as much about showcasing its future as it is about football. The proposed tournament involves the construction of eight new stadiums, including the futuristic King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh and facilities in the ambitious Neom megacity. These projects, part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, aim to reduce the kingdom’s reliance on oil by boosting tourism and international investment.
However, with construction deadlines looming, the bid faces logistical and environmental challenges. FIFA flagged Saudi Arabia’s summer heat as a significant concern, suggesting the tournament might be held during the winter months, as was the case with Qatar in 2022. This adjustment underscores the kingdom’s broader struggles with climate adaptability amid its rapid push for modernization.
Human Rights and Sportswashing Allegations
Saudi Arabia’s hosting ambitions are deeply entangled with its contentious human rights record. Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized the kingdom’s systemic issues, such as mass executions, allegations of torture, restrictions on women, and the suppression of free speech. Activists have also pointed to the kingdom’s male guardianship system and the harsh penalties meted out for dissenting social media posts as emblematic of its authoritarian governance.
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Amnesty International described FIFA’s evaluation as “an astonishing whitewash,” accusing the organization of sidestepping the “severe human rights risks” associated with Saudi Arabia’s bid. Critics argue that FIFA’s focus on infrastructure and commercial potential risks enabling further abuses, making the governing body complicit in the kingdom’s alleged exploitation of workers and repression of activists.
Sportswashing: A Tool for Rebranding
Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup fits into a broader pattern of using high-profile events to improve its global image—a practice often labeled as “sportswashing.” In recent years, the kingdom has hosted the Formula One Grand Prix, WWE events, and the WTA Finals tennis tournament. Proponents argue that such initiatives signal progress and openness, but detractors see them as efforts to divert attention from ongoing rights abuses.
The political dimensions of this strategy are evident. By securing the World Cup, Saudi Arabia seeks not only to boost tourism and investment but also to position itself as a leader in the Arab and Muslim world. This ambition aligns with the kingdom’s efforts to rival neighboring Qatar, which used the 2022 World Cup to assert its geopolitical influence.
FIFA’s Role and Accountability
FIFA’s report attempts to strike a delicate balance, acknowledging the risks while highlighting potential opportunities for reform. The organization noted that the World Cup could “serve as a catalyst for ongoing and future reforms” in Saudi Arabia, offering a platform for positive change that extends beyond the tournament itself.
However, critics argue that such optimism is misplaced, given FIFA’s track record of turning a blind eye to abuses in host nations. The organization has been accused of prioritizing financial gains over ethical considerations, as evidenced by its handling of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, where issues like labor exploitation and workers’ deaths were downplayed.
Political Implications for the Region
Saudi Arabia’s bid also holds significant political implications for the Middle East. A successful World Cup campaign would bolster the kingdom’s standing as a regional power and a global influencer. It would further Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to project Saudi Arabia as a modern, dynamic, and diversified economy.
However, the bid risks exacerbating tensions with other regional players. For instance, Qatar’s success in hosting the 2022 World Cup set a high bar for Saudi Arabia to match, fueling a quiet rivalry between the two Gulf states. Moreover, the kingdom’s ability to navigate international criticism while advancing its hosting ambitions could serve as a litmus test for its broader foreign policy objectives.
The Path Ahead
The FIFA Congress scheduled for December 11 is expected to formally approve Saudi Arabia’s bid, as it remains the sole contender for 2034. However, the kingdom’s path to hosting the tournament will be fraught with challenges, from completing infrastructure projects to addressing global scrutiny over its rights record.
The stakes are high—not just for Saudi Arabia but also for FIFA and the global football community. If handled responsibly, the tournament could indeed become a catalyst for meaningful reform. But if rights abuses persist, the 2034 World Cup may join a growing list of events criticized for prioritizing spectacle over substance.
For Saudi Arabia, this bid represents more than a sporting ambition; it is a political gamble to reshape its international narrative. Whether the kingdom succeeds or falters will depend on its ability to balance its aspirations with the demands of an increasingly scrutinizing global audience.