By Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Australia on Tuesday decided against bidding for the 2034 Men’s World Cup, paving the way for Saudi Arabia to host the tournament.
Football Australia withdrew its candidacy by the October 31st deadline after the Asian Football Confederation backed Saudi Arabia, who were heavy favorites to take part in the tournament.
“We have considered the potential bid to host the FIFA World Cup and, after considering all factors, have concluded that the tournament will not be held in 2034,” Football Australia said in a statement.
FIFA has invited the Asia and Oceania region to bid for rotating World Cup hosting rights after naming Morocco, Spain and Portugal as co-hosts for 2030.
There has been talk of a joint bid between Indonesia and Australia in 2034, but Australia recently announced it would support Saudi Arabia’s bid. Saudi Arabia’s ambition to host the 2034 World Cup is the latest step in a campaign to transform the kingdom into a global sporting power.
Last year, the first World Cup in the Middle East was held in neighboring Qatar.
Australia now has its sights set on the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup and 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
“Achieving this would mark a truly golden decade for Australian football, following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics,” Football Australia said.
Australia and New Zealand co-hosted the Women’s World Cup this year, and the tournament was widely considered a success.
