Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup has been classified as a “medium risk” for human rights, according to FIFA’s evaluation report released on November 30. While the report praised the bid’s strong infrastructure and commercial potential, it highlighted significant challenges regarding human rights reforms.
FIFA acknowledged that implementing the necessary changes “could involve significant effort and time,” raising concerns about the country’s readiness to address these issues effectively ahead of the tournament. Saudi Arabia remains the sole contender for the 2034 event, with the decision set to be finalized during the FIFA Congress on December 11.
The report also noted potential positive impacts of the World Cup, stating that the tournament could act as a catalyst for ongoing and future reforms in Saudi Arabia, benefiting the region beyond the competition itself.
However, human rights advocacy groups have expressed skepticism, citing concerns about mass executions, allegations of torture, and restrictions on women under the male guardianship system. Freedom of expression remains a major issue, with critics facing harsh penalties for dissenting views.
These issues threaten to make human rights a central topic of discussion in the lead-up to the 2034 World Cup, much like the controversy surrounding Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 tournament.
As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a hub for global sporting events, including hosting Formula One and the WTA tennis finals, accusations of “sportswashing” persist. Critics argue that these events are part of a broader strategy to deflect attention from the country’s human rights record.
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With Saudi Arabia yet to complete several proposed stadiums for the World Cup, and the possibility of a winter tournament similar to Qatar 2022, questions remain about the balance between sports development and human rights accountability.
