Apparently, Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 after Australia withdrew its application
On Tuesday, Football Australia announced that it would not submit a bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2034, allowing Saudi Arabia to host the major men’s competition.
Australia’s prospects of hosting the 2034 tournament seemed slim after the Saudi candidacy was supported on October 5 by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The Indonesian football association first expressed interest in a cooperative bid with Australia, maybe in addition to Malaysia and Singapore, but that desire quickly dissipated once Indonesia chose to support Saudi Arabia.
Football Australia released a statement saying, “We have investigated 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.”
Instead, Australia will make an effort to win the right to host the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and the Club World Cup in 2029.
“We think we are in a great position to welcome the best teams in world football for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, and to host the oldest women’s international competition in the world, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026,” the FA said in a statement.
The Women’s World Cup was effectively co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in July and August. When Brisbane, in the state of Queensland, hosts the Summer Games in 2032, it will become the third Australian city to hold the Olympics.
