FIFA fast-tracks Saudi Arabia's controversial World Cup bid

Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the host of the 2034 World Cup by FIFA. This decision followed a FIFA evaluation report published in November 2024, which was met with significant criticism from human rights organizations due to Saudi Arabia's record on labor rights and human rights in general. The bidding process had garnered scrutiny, especially in light of atrocities seen during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, which similarly faced condemnation over the treatment of migrant workers. FIFA's combined confirmation of the 2030 and 2034 World Cup hosts aimed to streamline the process but resulted in an unopposed bid by Saudi Arabia, raising concerns among various national football associations. Human Rights Watch highlighted the grave risks to migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, prompting calls for stringent conditions to protect their rights as preparations for the World Cup ramp up. The situation reflects a larger trend wherein major global sporting events are being utilized by nations like Saudi Arabia as tools for soft power, aiming to reshape their international image despite persistent issues related to governance and human rights violations. Critics argue that this approach merely masks systemic problems rather than addressing them directly. In light of the upcoming World Cup, calls for transparency and accountability in the treatment of workers involved have surged, emphasizing the need for FIFA and Saudi authorities to implement meaningful reforms to prevent the recurrence of labor abuses witnessed in previous tournaments.