Saudi Arabia Will Host the 2034 World Cup—with Big Plans for 64 Teams
For the first time ever, Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup in 2034. The country’s selection marks not only a huge step for Saudi football but also a significant shift in the global soccer landscape. With 64 teams expected to compete, the tournament will be one of the largest sporting events in history.
What Makes the 2034 FIFA World Cup Different?
The 2034 tournament won’t just be another World Cup. It’s shaping up to be a turning point in how the world experiences soccer. The expanded format means more countries, more matches, and more fans tuning in. But there’s more to it than just numbers.
Here’s what sets the 2034 event apart:
- 64 national teams—the largest ever number for a men’s World Cup
- Hosted entirely in one country, unlike the shared format of 2026
- Matches likely played in cooler months, similar to Qatar 2022, due to high summer temperatures
- Massive infrastructure investment expected from Saudi Arabia
Why Saudi Arabia?
If you’ve been following international sports trends, this decision might not be a surprise. Saudi Arabia has poured money into global sports over the past few years—including boxing, golf, and even Formula 1 racing.
This ambitious push is part of the country’s Vision 2030 plan, a national strategy designed to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil and diversify its economy. Part of that plan includes building a strong sports culture and attracting major global events. In many ways, hosting the World Cup is a symbol of that broader goal.
Other Bidders Stepped Aside
Australia was seen as a potential challenger when FIFA first opened the bids. Yet they withdrew their interest, leaving Saudi Arabia as the clear front-runner. That cleared a straight path for the country’s official appointment by FIFA.
How Will the Tournament Shape Up?
Though we’re still a decade away, big questions already surround how this record-sized tournament will play out. The key challenge? Managing 64 teams and 104 matches in just one country.
Unlike the joint 2026 tournament hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Saudi Arabia has committed to staging the entire tournament solo. That means the country must build or upgrade enough stadiums, hotels, and transport infrastructure to support millions of visitors and players.
Still, given Saudi Arabia’s rapid development track and its wealth, many analysts believe they can pull it off. Just look at Qatar 2022—a tournament that overcame skepticism and delivered world-class facilities.
Big Investment Ahead
Hosting a World Cup isn’t cheap. The 2018 World Cup in Russia cost more than $11 billion. Qatar reportedly spent over $200 billion across infrastructure and event prep.
Expect Saudi Arabia to follow suit. Plans include:
- New stadiums designed with cooling technology
- High-speed rail expansion linking major cities
- Upgrading airports to manage international travel
- Hotel and tourism development to accommodate fans
From a fan’s perspective, this means better travel options, more accommodation, and ultra-modern sporting venues.
How Will the Weather Impact the Event?
Saudi Arabia’s climate is hot—especially in the summer. So, like Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, the 2034 tournament will most likely be held during the cooler months. That means late-November to mid-December.
This timeline will again shake up the global soccer calendar, as it did in 2022. European leagues will take a mid-season break, forcing coaches and clubs to adjust schedules and player fitness plans.
What Are the Critics Saying?
Of course, no big decision like this comes without its share of concerns. Some human rights groups have already raised alarms. They point to Saudi Arabia’s record on gender equity and free speech.
Organizations like Amnesty International have urged FIFA to set clear conditions for protecting labor rights, given the large role migrant workers play in building World Cup infrastructure. Similar concerns were raised during Qatar 2022.
Will Saudi Arabia make real improvements in these areas? That’s something many will watch closely in the years ahead.
What Does This Mean for Global Soccer?
Adding more teams to the tournament gives smaller soccer nations a chance to shine. Countries that often miss out on a traditional 32-team format now have better odds of qualifying.
That extra exposure on the world stage could boost football culture in places where the sport is still growing. It also spreads the game’s influence more evenly around the globe.
For big teams, the stakes get higher. They must now navigate a longer tournament, with potentially more upsets along the way. Think of it like expanding a college basketball tournament—underdogs suddenly have a real shot.
What Can Fans Expect?
From the look of things, Saudi Arabia plans to impress. If you’re a soccer fan planning ahead, here’s what you might experience in 2034:
- World-class stadiums built for comfort and style
- Advanced cooling systems to manage desert heat
- Cultural experiences that mix old traditions with modern luxury
- Major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah transformed into soccer capitals
Still unsure whether Saudi Arabia can deliver all this? So were most fans before Qatar hosted. But those doubts vanished once the games began.
What’s Next?
Over the next few years, Saudi Arabia will unveil detailed plans for stadiums, match schedules, and tourism programs. FIFA will likely send teams to monitor progress and ensure all requirements are met.
Meanwhile, national teams across the world will now look toward qualifying rounds. For many countries, this expanded format opens the door to their first-ever appearance at a World Cup.
Final Thoughts
The 2034 FIFA World Cup will be unlike any before. It will test limits, push boundaries, and showcase a rising force in global sports. Whether you’re excited about the matches or just curious about how Saudi Arabia will manage 64 national teams—the next ten years will be worth watching.
One thing is clear: the world’s biggest game just found a new home, and it’s setting the stage for something monumental.
