Already doomed? Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid a blow for Australia

Any Australian bid to host the men’s soccer World Cup in 2034 appears doomed after Asia’s confederation threw its support behind Saudi Arabia.

Football Australia (FA) has said it will look at bidding for the showcase men’s tournament after successfully hosting this year’s Women’s World Cup.

But the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) says it will “stand united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s momentous initiative”.

“We are committed to working closely with the global football family to ensure its success,” AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said in a statement on Thursday, after FIFA announced the venues for the 2030 men’s World Cup.

“We strongly believe it paves the way for a more equitable opportunity for all confederations to bid for, and host, the prestigious FIFA World Cup – the pinnacle of world men’s football.”

At the end of Australia and New Zealand’s triumphant hosting of this year’s Women’s World Cup, FA chief executive James Johnson turned his attention to the men’s 2034 edition. Australia have yet to decide on a bid, with Johnson only saying FA will “look at” the 2034 tournament.

In a statement on Thursday, Johnson didn’t directly address the Asian backing of the Saudi bid – a disaster for any Australian tender.

But he gave no indication it has tempered Australia’s interest in hosting the showpiece men’s tournament.

“As stated previously, Football Australia is exploring the possibility of bidding for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and/or the FIFA World Cup 2034,” he said.

“We acknowledge FIFA’s communication regarding the FIFA World Cup 2034, and we are encouraged that after the hugely successful FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023, the football family of Asia and Oceania will once again have the opportunity to showcase their ability to welcome the world and host the best FIFA tournaments.”

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.Credit: Getty Images

Within hours of world governing body FIFA inviting bids from Asia and Oceania on Thursday, Saudi Arabia confirmed their intention to pitch for the tournament.

“HRH the Crown Prince Saudi Arabia’s desire to bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup is a reflection of the country’s progress in all sectors,” the Saudi Press Agency’s English outlet said.

“The Kingdom has quickly emerged as a leading hub and an international destination for hosting major events thanks to its rich cultural heritage, economic strength and the ambition of its people.”

The Saudi soccer federation said its 2034 bid “intends to deliver a world-class tournament and will draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s ongoing social and economic transformation and the country’s deep-rooted passion for football.

The Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand was a huge success and set records, with Football Australia considering a future bid for the men’s tourrnament.Credit: Edwina Pickles

“Saudi Arabia’s inaugural FIFA World Cup bid is backed by the country’s growing experience of hosting world-class football events and its ongoing plans to welcome fans across the world to the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup.”

A number of stars, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema, have recently signed big-money deals with Saudi Pro League clubs.

FIFA earlier had outlined key pillars in the bid processes for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments.

In a surprise announcement a year earlier than planned, FIFA allocated the 2030 World Cup to Morocco, Spain and Portugal on Wednesday but also said Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will host three matches to mark the tournament’s centenary. The joint bid from Morocco, Portugal and Spain was the sole candidate to host the tournament.

The inaugural World Cup in 1930 was held in Uruguay and won by the hosts after they defeated Argentina in the final in Montevideo.

Spain have been awarded the World Cup weeks after their disgraced former chief Luis Rubiales was forced to step down following his allegedly unsolicited kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup.

“The FIFA Council unanimously agreed that the sole candidacy will be the combined bid of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, which will host the event in 2030 and qualify automatically from the existing slot allocation subject to the completion of a successful bidding process conducted by FIFA and a decision by the FIFA Congress in 2024,” FIFA said in a statement.

“Additionally, having taken into account the historical context of the first-ever FIFA World Cup, the FIFA Council further unanimously agreed to host a unique centenary celebration ceremony in the country’s capital, Montevideo... as well as three World Cup matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay respectively.”

With the World Cup being held across six countries in two different hemispheres, it might mean some teams play their group matches in different seasons.

The 2022 World Cup was held in Qatar but it was moved from the traditional mid-year window and played in November and December to avoid playing in the searing heat of the Gulf summer.

Canada, Mexico and the USA will jointly host the 2026 edition.

AAP, Reuters

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