Bid Process and Global Reaction
is expected to confirm as the host for the 2034 Men's World Cup, following a controversial bidding process that saw the Gulf monarchy as the sole candidate.
Human rights groups, labor rights activists, and some within Saudi Arabia have expressed deep concerns over the country's human rights record, free speech, and labor rights, warning of potential abuses during the tournament's preparation.
FIFA's Assessment and Future Implications
FIFA's evaluation gave Saudi Arabia's bid a high score, categorizing the human rights risk as "medium," despite criticisms of the assessment's methodology and transparency.
The 2034 World Cup in Saudi is part of the country's broader strategy to invest in sports and diversify its economy under 's Vision 2030, amidst allegations of "sportswashing."