Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid received a higher technical score from FIFA than the 2026 joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico even though the Middle East nation has yet to construct several stadiums proposed for the tournament.

According to a FIFA evaluation, Saudi Arabia's World Cup hosting bid in 2034 has "good potential" to spark reform

Saudi Arabia is set to stage a winter World Cup in 2034 after a FIFA evaluation report highlighted the likelihood of the competition being played "between October-April."

Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid received a higher technical score from FIFA than the 2026 joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico even though the Middle East nation has yet to construct several stadiums proposed for the tournament.

Fifa slipped out its official approval of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record late on Friday night to pave the way for the kingdom to be awarded the 2034 World Cup finals next month.

Saudi Arabia is on course to host the 2034 men’s World Cup with FIFA ‘approving’ its human rights record in a report released overnight. World football’s governing body awarded the Saudi bid a score of 4.

Shortly after midnight on Saturday morning, FIFA announced it had completed its report into Saudi Arabia's human rights record and its approval has all-but-confirmed Saudi Arabia as hosts of the 2034 World Cup.