It’s been brewing for a while but now it’s official: Saudi Arabia has just been confirmed to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Scheduled to happen in exactly ten years from now, following a congress which took place on Dec. 11, committee and federation members gathered, either online or physically, at the international footballing body’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, to finally give the green light to the Gulf State to organize the third-next iteration of the quadrennial tournament.
With more than enough time to prepare and be ready by the next decade, the forthcoming happing will be the first to be held under a new format as it is set to feature 48 countries instead of the usual 36. Nations from across the world will compete in the years prior to try to secure their spot.
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Also approving of Morocco, Spain and Portugal’s joint hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup — which will mark the second time the prestigious competition is held on the African continent — both pieces of news came as no real surprise as there was only one bid for each of these editions.
Having went from never having organized a single iteration to hosting three in just about a decade, the Arab World is now, more than ever, being positioned as a central point for all things related to the realm of the arts, sports and culture more broadly speaking. Experiencing, almost collectively, what might in the future be described as a golden era marked by fast-pace development, the region seems to finally be opening a new chapter in its history — one that is far and away from the dull narratives of the past.
That said, while it is a moment to adamantly celebrate, we must not forget the nations that still sadly endure and struggle to cope with their struggles, from Palestine, to Lebanon and Syria, to name just a few.
