Saudi Arabia is to host the World Cup 2034 after Australia withdrew from doing so, becoming the second country in the Middle East to stage the tournament after Qatar.
The oil rich nation was declared a host nation of the men's 2034 World Cup after Australia announced its withdrawal from the bid to host the tournament hours before the deadline set by FIFA.
Football Australia noted that it quitted staging the world cup, saying it is now focused on hosting the AFA Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and the Club World Cup in 2029.
Saudi Arabia has hosted several major sporting events since 2018, including football, Formula 1, golf and boxing, among others.
Saudi Arabia's sports minister, Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, hailed the move saying it is an important and natural step in our journey as a country passionate about football.