Australian hopes of hosting 2034 World Cup take massive hit

After the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Football Australia wanted to bid for the men’s event in 2034 but that looks shot.

The 2034 World Cup is out of reach for Football Australia chief executive James Johnson. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Football Australia could shift its focus to gaining hosting rights for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup after plans to go for the 2034 World Cup were dealt a hammer blow when the Asian Football Confederation threw its support behind a bid from Saudi Arabia.

Amid the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and on the back of the Matildas’ stirring run to the semi-finals, FA declared its intention to bid for more “big competitions”.

That included the 2034 men’s World Cup, but those hopes were seemingly dumped on when the AFC confirmed it would back what is likely to be a multibillion-dollar bid from the Saudis.

Within hours of world governing body FIFA opening the door for bids from Asia and Oceania for the 2034 World Cup, the Saudis, who have more than $600bn in the Public Investment Fund being used to lure major sporting events, confirmed their intention to host the tournament.

“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.”

Lionel Messi and Argentina won the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images

In response, the AFC, said it would “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.”

The AFC’s support would be necessary for any Australian bid, even a joint one with other Oceanic countries after the women’s World Cup was hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

In response to the news, Football Australia boss James Johnson said they would not be deterred in going after the biggest events in world football.

“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,” Johnson said in a statement.

“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.”

Football Australia chief executive James Johnson wants Australia to bid for ‘big competitions’. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

There had been no commitment to bid for the World Cup, but Johnson had previously said the governing body wanted to “bid for big competitions”.

“And the two that I think will be part of that discussion will be the Club World Cup in 2029 and the men’s World Cup in 2034,” he said in September.

The FIFA World Club Cup, which is being played in Saudi Arabia in December, brings together winners of the world’s biggest continental competitions.

Saudi Arabia is already hosting the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and would become the third Asian host of the FIFA World Cup after Korea and Japan in 2002 and Qatar in 2022.

Originally published as Australian hopes of hosting 2034 World Cup take massive hit