Saudi Arabia are reportedly set to host the 2034 World Cup after Australia decided against bidding for tournament rights.
FIFA had set out a guideline that bids for the 2034 World Cup will be accepted only from AFC and OFC member associations, which led Australia and Saudi Arabia to emerge as the frontrunners to grab the hosting rights. However, Football Australia officially announced its decision not to bid for the tournament on Tuesday, just hours before the FIFA deadline. Saudi Arabia have been left as the sole bidder for the marquee global event as a result, and it is expected that they will be formally announced as hosts.
“We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup and – having taken all factors into consideration – we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition,” read a statement from the Australian FA.
“Instead, we believe we are in a strong position to host the oldest women’s international competition in the world, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, and then welcome the greatest teams in world football for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.”
