Saudi Arabia to host 2034 Men's World Cup, confirms FIFA chief Gianni Infantino

After Australia pulled out of the bidding process for the 2034 Men's FIFA World Cup, Gianni Infantino confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the tournament.

In a social media post, the FIFA President said, 'The next two editions of the FIFA World Cup are set to be hosted in Africa (Morocco) and Europe (Portugal and Spain) - with three celebratory matches played in South America (Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) - in 2030 and in Asia (Saudi Arabia) in 2034.'

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The upcoming 2026 edition is all set to be hosted by three nations in North America: USA, Mexico and Canada, a historic first for the event.

Australia's withdrawal left the desert nation as the solitary bidder for the 2034 edition. Saudi Arabia will be the second Gulf nation after Qatar to host the global phenomenon.

It would be the culmination of Saudi Arabia's ambitious drive to become a major player in global sports, having already spent massive amounts on bringing in dozens of star soccer players to its domestic league, buying English soccer club Newcastle, launching the breakaway LIV Golf tour and hosting major boxing fights.

(with AP inputs)

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