Clear way for Saudi Arabia: Australia not bidding for 2034 World Cup

The 2023 Women’s World Cup was held in Sydney. In 2034 there will be no men.
Film Alliance / Action Plus

Australia has had some great women’s football this summer. But in 2034 there will be no men’s World Cup on the fifth continent. As the desert state’s last viable contender, the Australian association decided not to register interest in hosting the tournament with world body FIFA shortly before the deadline.

“We have explored the possibility of bidding to host the World Cup and, having considered all factors, have come to the conclusion that we will not do so in 2034,” Football Australia said in a statement. Any applicants had until Tuesday to confirm their interest.

Except for Saudi Arabia, which has been criticized for human rights abuses, among others, no one dares to hide. The final application must be submitted by July 2024. There is little doubt that Saudi Arabia will win the deal.

Support for Saudi Arabia

Recently, Indonesia rejected plans for a joint application with Australia and other countries, and many countries are gradually leaning with Saudi Arabia. After Saudi Arabia’s breakthrough, the Asian Confederation AFC declared its support for the richest kingdom.

Critics accuse FIFA, led by president Gianni Infantino, of giving way to controversial Saudi ruler Mohammed bin Salman over plans to host the 2030 World Cup in six countries and three continents. In 2034, due to the rotation principle, only organizers from Asia and Oceania will be considered; FIFA wants to host the tournament at the end of next year.

Australia wants to host Women’s Asian Cup in 2026

Australia, which co-hosts the 2023 Women’s World Cup with New Zealand, wants to bid for the 2029 Men’s Club World Cup and 2026 Women’s Asian Cup instead. Saudi Arabia has also applied for the latter. “We believe we are in a strong position to host the world’s oldest international women’s competition, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, and then host the best teams in world football for the FIFA Club World Cup 2029,” the FA statement said.