Overview

• Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with a decision expected next week, raising concerns about labor and human rights abuses in the country.
• Human Rights Watch released a report detailing widespread exploitation of migrant workers, including forced labor, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions on massive construction projects.
• The report highlights the deaths of hundreds of migrant workers, many of which remain unexplained and uninvestigated, leaving families without compensation or support.
• Critics argue FIFA has failed to ensure binding human rights commitments from Saudi Arabia, risking a repeat of controversies surrounding the 2022 Qatar World Cup preparations.
• Saudi officials cite recent labor reforms as part of their Vision 2030 initiative, but rights groups claim enforcement gaps and systemic issues persist.