Saudi Arabia is now the likely host for the 2034 World Cup because Australia announced on the deadline day that it would not be making a bid for the global soccer tournament.
FIFA had invited bids from Asia and Oceania, but Australia decided to pass on this opportunity. Football Australia initially mentioned that they were considering a bid for 2034, but they have now shifted their focus to bidding for the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup instead.
Australia’s decision not to proceed with 2034 leaves Saudi Arabia as the only confirmed bidder.
Saudi Arabia announced it would bid only minutes after FIFA called for Asia and Oceania bids on Oct 4.
The president of the Asian Football Confederation, which oversees soccer in Asia, including Australia, declared that “the entire Asian football community” would come together to support Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the World Cup.
A week after FIFA’s invitation, Indonesia initially mentioned talks with Australia regarding a potential joint bid that would also involve Malaysia and Singapore. However, a week later, Indonesia announced its support for Saudi Arabia’s bid.
Australia recently hosted a successful Women’s World Cup, but it has never had the opportunity to host a men’s World Cup.
“We believe we are in a strong position to host the oldest women’s international competition in the world – the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 – and then welcome the greatest teams in world football for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup,” FA said.
