New Delhi: Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid promises to deliver a groundbreaking tournament, with futuristic stadiums and improved infrastructure designed to offer a unique experience. However, the decision to host the World Cup in Saudi Arabia has sparked controversy, especially due to concerns over the country’s human rights record and environmental impact.
Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup promises to be a groundbreaking event, featuring futuristic stadiums, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a fan experience unlike any other. However, the controversy surrounding the country’s human rights record remains a significant concern.
FIFA’s decision to award the tournament to Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly bring both excitement and debate as the world watches how the kingdom delivers on its ambitious vision.
Futuristic stadiums and infrastructure
It is confirmed that the 2034 World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia.
They have also revealed images of multiple stadium concepts set to be used in the 2034 World Cup.
Wow…🤩 pic.twitter.com/etcn1UpYl1
— george (@StokeyyG2) December 11, 2024
The tournament will take place across fifteen stadiums in five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Al-Khobar, and the soon-to-be-developed Neom. Riyadh will feature eight of these venues, including the 92,760-seat King Salman International Stadium, which will host the opening game and final.
Neom’s stadium is particularly striking, as it will be located 350 meters above ground level and only accessible by high-speed lifts and driverless vehicles. This stadium is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious ‘The Line’ project, a car-free city that will stretch 170km long and 200m wide.
Other stadiums will feature the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, located on a clifftop, and the Qiddiya Coast Stadium, designed with a ripple pattern reminiscent of a Mexican wave. These unique designs are aimed at making the 2034 World Cup visually memorable, with organisers promising the event will change the future of stadium architecture.
Transport and fan experience
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has ushered in a new era for our nation, guiding our people’s dreams and aspirations.#WelcomeToSaudi34 pic.twitter.com/HhJ85xMDCU
— Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034™️ (@Saudi2034) December 11, 2024
Given the vast size of Saudi Arabia, with its large distances between host cities, organisers are focusing on expanding transport infrastructure. New high-speed rail links and a metro system in Riyadh are expected to make travel more convenient.
However, many fans will likely rely on air travel to move between cities. There are plans for ten fan parks, two in each host city, to enhance the overall fan experience.
Accommodation options are set to cater to a wide range of tournament stakeholders, from players to media and fans. Saudi Arabia has also promised to develop a variety of options to meet the demands of both local and international visitors, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.
Controversy and human rights concerns
FIFA has announced that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup.
This is despite evidence of pervasive human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. Learn more: pic.twitter.com/m8YZD0CKns
— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) December 11, 2024
Despite the promise of world-class facilities, Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid has been met with criticism due to its human rights record. The country faces scrutiny for its treatment of women, restrictions on free speech, and the criminalisation of same-sex relations. Amnesty International has called for the bid to be halted unless substantial human rights reforms are implemented.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s reputation has been tarnished by incidents such as the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Human rights groups argue that the kingdom is using the World Cup to ‘sportswash’ its image and divert attention from long-standing issues. Despite this, FIFA awarded Saudi Arabia the highest bid score ever, praising the potential for positive change the tournament could bring to the region.
A potential winter World Cup?
Due to the extreme summer temperatures in Saudi Arabia, organisers are considering staging the tournament in winter, much like Qatar in 2022. Average temperatures in the country range from 15°C to 30°C during the cooler months, but can reach 38°C to 43°C in summer.
Organisers are studying the possibility of a summer World Cup but are more likely to settle on a winter tournament to ensure a more comfortable experience for players and fans alike.
With futuristic projects and expanded infrastructure, Saudi Arabia aims to deliver a memorable yet debated 2034 World Cup. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
