Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup after Australia opted not to put forward a bid for the international football tournament.
In the immediate aftermath of FIFA awarding the 2030 tournament to Morocco, Portugal and Spain, Saudi Arabia quickly announced its intention to bid for 2034.
Australia, which served as co–hosts alongside New Zealand for this year’s Women’s World Cup, was viewed as the most obvious alternative.
However, Tuesday’s decision appears to clear the way for the Gulf state to take the hosting rights unopposed as the sole bidder.
In a statement, FIFA said: “As established in the Bidding Regulations approved by the FIFA Council, the FIFA administration will conduct thorough bidding and evaluation processes, with the hosts to be appointed by FIFA Congresses expected to take place by Q4 2024.”
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Why did Australia withdraw bid for 2034 FIFA World Cup?
Football Australia decided to step back from a possible World Cup bid and will instead focus on hosting other major football events.
In a statement, the federation said: “We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup and — having taken all factors…
