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Football Australia has announced it will not make a bid to host the 2034 World Cup, effectively ensuring Saudi Arabia will land the rights in the coming days.
Australia’s chances already appeared doomed when FIFA made its dual announcement in early October about the 2030 and 2034 events. The former will be hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay also hosting a match to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup.
By using Africa, Europe and South America, following the North American-hosted 2026 event and the rule confederations must wait 12 years between hosting World Cups, it ensured Asia would land 2034 – putting Saudi Arabia, a nation spending billions on sport to attempt to revamp its image, in the box seat.
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Australia had been hopeful of bidding for the event following the success of the Women’s World Cup but once its Asian confederation allies started lining up to endorse the wealthy Saudi bid, it was effectively over.
FIFA had given a 25-day deadline for confirmed interest and on Tuesday, Football Australia said it had “taken all factors into consideration” and “reached the conclusion not to do so (bid) for the 2034 competition”.
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“Instead, 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,” a statement read.
“Achieving this – following the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 and with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games – would represent a truly golden decade for Australian football.
“This would be underpinned by the opportunity for our men’s and women’s teams to compete at major tournaments including FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and 2031, AFC Asian Cup 2023, 2027 and 2031, and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and 2030, the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Olympic Games, as well as at the biennial FIFA U-20 World Cup and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup competitions.
“Football is the number one participation sport in Australia and, in many respects, is reflective of our nation’s diverse population.
“For international tournament hosting, the Australian time zones provide significant opportunities for broadcasters, and we are within touching distance of billions of people in Asia and Oceania, which also helps to provide a strong commercial outlook for competitions.
“Football Australia remains committed to contributing positively to the growth and success of football at all levels, including locally, as part of the AFC and globally as part of FIFA.
“We wish FIFA and the eventual hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2034 the greatest success for the good of the game and for everyone who loves our sport.”
