Saudi Arabia Confirmed as 2034 FIFA World Cup Host, Sparking Human Rights Concerns

The announcement highlights Saudi Arabia's ambitious infrastructure plans while drawing criticism over migrant worker conditions and accusations of 'sportswashing.'

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, requiring extensive infrastructure projects, including 11 new stadiums, 185,000 hotel rooms, and upgrades to transportation networks.
Critics, including Human Rights Watch, accuse Saudi Arabia of using the World Cup to divert attention from its poor human rights record, a practice often referred to as 'sportswashing.'
The kafala system, which grants employers significant control over migrant workers, remains a central issue, with reports of abuse, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions persisting despite claims of reform.
India, which has 2.6 million migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, is urged to negotiate stronger protections for its citizens involved in World Cup-related projects, including fair wages and safer working conditions.
While some argue that hosting the tournament could spotlight Saudi Arabia's human rights issues, others note the country's ongoing social reforms under Vision 2030, which have sparked debate over their sufficiency and sincerity.