World Cup 2034

[SHODAN]

The official confirmation of this rigging for Saudi Arabia is set to be confirmed today. Norway set to vote against it but no one else really.

If it does actually go ahead in Saudi I will probably just act like it's not happening. I can't stomach it. Billions of pounds and political maneuvering to enrich FIFA executives and sportswash human rights abuses. Nothing learned from Qatar, FIFA absolutely morally bankrupt. Countries should be boycotting it.

[He's here!]

The official confirmation of this rigging for Saudi Arabia is set to be confirmed today. Norway set to vote against it but no one else really.

If it does actually go ahead in Saudi I will probably just act like it's not happening. I can't stomach it. Billions of pounds and political maneuvering to enrich FIFA executives and sportswash human rights abuses. Nothing learned from Qatar, FIFA absolutely morally bankrupt. Countries should be boycotting it.

They should, but they won't and nor will most fans for whom football takes priority - as evidenced by the crowds who roll up for Man City and Newcastle games. Worrying about sportswashing human rights abuses just doesn't cut it when the fitba's on.

[Pagan Hibernia]

They should, but they won't and nor will most fans for whom football takes priority - as evidenced by the crowds who roll up for Man City and Newcastle games. Worrying about sportswashing human rights abuses just doesn't cut it when the fitba's on.

Sad but very true. Messi gets his fairytale ending in Qatar and everyone forgets about what a rotten competition it was. It'll be the same in Saudi.

[oneone73]

Sad but very true. Messi gets his fairytale ending in Qatar and everyone forgets about what a rotten competition it was. It'll be the same in Saudi.

I think Messi might have hung up his boots by then.

[Yorkshire HFC]

I'm afraid that these countries now have the money and the influence to get whatever they want - Europe is the past, they are the future. America is probably rich enough to keep up for a while.

It's not football related, but they have built modern, clean, innovative cities and money is no object - they can buy any sport (see golf, boxing, Ronaldo), buy any entertainer, fund any new industry - just like we did hundreds of years ago. It's now their turn.

And the area has proved that they can run a World Cup - with easy access to modern stadiums for players and fans, attract families, no drunken, fighting fans, good transport etc.

They are very young countries and have spent money wisely, choosing what they want - unlike many African countries, who have wasted similar resources windfalls.

We don't have to like it, but I don't think there's much we can do about it - and many Brits seem to want to go over there and get their share of the big money - that is life.

[He's here!]

I think Messi might have hung up his boots by then.

He was meaning the previous World Cup in Qatar.

[Viva_Palmeiras]

The official confirmation of this rigging for Saudi Arabia is set to be confirmed today. Norway set to vote against it but no one else really.

If it does actually go ahead in Saudi I will probably just act like it's not happening. I can't stomach it. Billions of pounds and political maneuvering to enrich FIFA executives and sportswash human rights abuses. Nothing learned from Qatar, FIFA absolutely morally bankrupt. Countries should be boycotting it.

Excused with “the development of the game”…

FIFA, Who ever runs the Olympics and UEFA all prepared to overlook the ethical dilemmas. We’re not perfect - far from it but ffs.

[Pretty Boy]

A huge part of the issue is the infrastructure requirements for the expanded tournament. The future is going to be joint bids over multiple countries or places where money is no object like Saudi.

For the 2030 World Cup the requirement was 14 stadiums over 40K capacity, 7 of which must already be built (reduced to 4 for 2034) and at least two of which must have a capacity of 60K or more for the semi finals and one of which must be 80K capacity or more for the final.

There then has to be 72 potential training base camps for teams all with a hotel on site or within a 20 minute drive. All must have media viewing facilities and a whole host of other requirements. All require exclusive use. There also has to be 4 training sites specific to each game venue for teams to use in the days before a game. Finally there has to be 2 referee training camp bases.

A minimum of 2 suitable fan zone sites per host city.

Then there is hotels. One FIFA HQ hotel of 4 or 5 star standard with a minimum of 700 rooms. One FIFA hotel per host city of 4 or 5 star standard with a between 100 and 450 guest rooms. Team hotels must be 4 or 5 star standard with minimum capacity of 80 guests. Referee HQ hotel must be 4 or 5 star standard with capacity for 300 guests. FIFA VIP hotel in each host city with minimum capacity of 50 guest rooms for standard games and 300 guest rooms for the final. There's a whole load of other hangers on requirements. Then for fans each city must have a minimum of 8000 guest rooms at 3, 4 or 5 star standard for the opening match and final, 6000 for the semi finals and 4000 for other games.

That's a whopping infrastructure requirement. The USA with a huge professional and collegiate sports program couldn't go it alone for the first expanded tournament in 2026 hence the joint bid with Mexico and Canada.

There's no morals in football. Whoever can meet the requirements will get the nod. I'm just stunned Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay and Argentina were able to secure the tournament for 2030.

[Paulie Walnuts]

A huge part of the issue is the infrastructure requirements for the expanded tournament. The future is going to be joint bids over multiple countries or places where money is no object like Saudi.

For the 2030 World Cup the requirement was 14 stadiums over 40K capacity, 7 of which must already be built (reduced to 4 for 2034) and at least two of which must have a capacity of 60K or more for the semi finals and one of which must be 80K capacity or more for the final.

There then has to be 72 potential training base camps for teams all with a hotel on site or within a 20 minute drive. All must have media viewing facilities and a whole host of other requirements. All require exclusive use. There also has to be 4 training sites specific to each game venue for teams to use in the days before a game. Finally there has to be 2 referee training camp bases.

A minimum of 2 suitable fan zone sites per host city.

Then there is hotels. One FIFA HQ hotel of 4 or 5 star standard with a minimum of 700 rooms. One FIFA hotel per host city of 4 or 5 star standard with a between 100 and 450 guest rooms. Team hotels must be 4 or 5 star standard with minimum capacity of 80 guests. Referee HQ hotel must be 4 or 5 star standard with capacity for 300 guests. FIFA VIP hotel in each host city with minimum capacity of 50 guest rooms for standard games and 300 guest rooms for the final. There's a whole load of other hangers on requirements. Then for fans each city must have a minimum of 8000 guest rooms at 3, 4 or 5 star standard for the opening match and final, 6000 for the semi finals and 4000 for the final.

That's a whopping infrastructure requirement. The USA with a huge professional and collegiate sports program couldn't go it alone for the first expanded tournament in 2026 hence the joint bid with Mexico and Canada.

There's no morals in football. Whoever can meet the requirements will get the nod. I'm just stunned Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay and Argentina were able to secure the tournament for 2030.

That is absolutely nuts.

[Jones28]

A huge part of the issue is the infrastructure requirements for the expanded tournament. The future is going to be joint bids over multiple countries or places where money is no object like Saudi.

For the 2030 World Cup the requirement was 14 stadiums over 40K capacity, 7 of which must already be built (reduced to 4 for 2034) and at least two of which must have a capacity of 60K or more for the semi finals and one of which must be 80K capacity or more for the final.

There then has to be 72 potential training base camps for teams all with a hotel on site or within a 20 minute drive. All must have media viewing facilities and a whole host of other requirements. All require exclusive use. There also has to be 4 training sites specific to each game venue for teams to use in the days before a game. Finally there has to be 2 referee training camp bases.

A minimum of 2 suitable fan zone sites per host city.

Then there is hotels. One FIFA HQ hotel of 4 or 5 star standard with a minimum of 700 rooms. One FIFA hotel per host city of 4 or 5 star standard with a between 100 and 450 guest rooms. Team hotels must be 4 or 5 star standard with minimum capacity of 80 guests. Referee HQ hotel must be 4 or 5 star standard with capacity for 300 guests. FIFA VIP hotel in each host city with minimum capacity of 50 guest rooms for standard games and 300 guest rooms for the final. There's a whole load of other hangers on requirements. Then for fans each city must have a minimum of 8000 guest rooms at 3, 4 or 5 star standard for the opening match and final, 6000 for the semi finals and 4000 for the final.

That's a whopping infrastructure requirement. The USA with a huge professional and collegiate sports program couldn't go it alone for the first expanded tournament in 2026 hence the joint bid with Mexico and Canada.

There's no morals in football. Whoever can meet the requirements will get the nod. I'm just stunned Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay and Argentina were able to secure the tournament for 2030.

The footballing infrastructure alone is insane! 72 training camps with accommodation - no doubt 4-5 star like the rest of the requirements within 20 minutes?

I think that would rule out HTC wouldn't it?

[gbhibby]

The footballing infrastructure alone is insane! 72 training camps with accommodation - no doubt 4-5 star like the rest of the requirements within 20 minutes?

I think that would rule out HTC wouldn't it?
You have Archerfield and North Berwick about 20 mins drive.

[Alfred E Newman]

I have got to say I have little or no interest in International football.

[Bobby's Cinema]

haha wtf was that. One of the guys on screen there was walking in his front door during that clapping.

Could be two good world cup hosts between now and then atleast?

[DIXIHIBS]

Another tournament for VIPs and not fans. Look at Euros this year which was a great tournament for fans...Saudi will be for the elite and football tourists, not for genuine fans.

[cabbageandribs1875]

infantino/Fifa is 110% Corrupt

[Pretty Boy]

Another tournament for VIPs and not fans. Look at Euros this year which was a great tournament for fans...Saudi will be for the elite and football tourists, not for genuine fans.

Just the way the game is going. Across the board to some extent but particularly at the highest level. Huge emphasis on people willing to pay for a one off 'football experience' whilst us 'legacy fans' are a bit of an inconvenience.

Marcelo Bielsa called it out quite eloquently not so long ago, both in terms of how the game is played on the park and the increasingly sterile environment it is consumed in. He argued it would be a short term boom but a long term bust. I think that's debatable but it will be interesting to see it play out.

[SHODAN]

infantino/Fifa is 110% Corrupt

Infantino is somehow worse than Blatter.

I can plausibly believe that Blatter was at least against Qatar because the corruption involved was too obvious; Infantino is being very transparent about how corrupt he is.

[Up-the-slope]

listening to Infantinos 'speech'... he has swallowed a Donald Trump pill... spouting total horlicks as if it were reality

[Green Reaper]

Infantino is somehow worse than Blatter.

I can plausibly believe that Blatter was at least against Qatar because the corruption involved was too obvious; Infantino is being very transparent about how corrupt he is.

Totally agree, as we all know, Qatar was totally down to corruption as there was no other logical explanation for them to host a WC

[Bostonhibby]

I have got to say I have little or no interest in International football.Same here this one will be for "celebrities" fifa officials and their hangers on, politicians who don't mind a bit of sportswashing/murder of dissenters and the generation of football followers or sports tourists who have a lot more cash than average.

Yes there will be actual football fans as we know them too as TV companies and sponsors will expect a football type atmosphere.



Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[HoboHarry]

The official confirmation of this rigging for Saudi Arabia is set to be confirmed today. Norway set to vote against it but no one else really.

If it does actually go ahead in Saudi I will probably just act like it's not happening. I can't stomach it. Billions of pounds and political maneuvering to enrich FIFA executives and sportswash human rights abuses. Nothing learned from Qatar, FIFA absolutely morally bankrupt. Countries should be boycotting it.
I personally think they learned all they needed to know, that they can get away with anything and no organisation or government will do anything meaningful to stop it.

[lyonhibs]

Another nail in the WC coffin for me. Euros are the only one I'll be really taking a prolonged interest in.

[SHODAN]

So the question is, did our association vote against it? I won't hold my breath.

[Viva_Palmeiras]

Another nail in the WC coffin for me. Euros are the only one I'll be really taking a prolonged interest in.

TBF they can claim they are making it a more inclusive “World” Cup in taking it to new places (albeit those countries just happening to be awash with oil money) - but on the other hand less inclusive it you are in a section of society that’s persecuted…

[SteveHFC]

Another nail in the WC coffin for me. Euros are the only one I'll be really taking a prolonged interest in.

The Euro’s held this year was the last one for most people to get too for a long time.

[StirlingHibee]

Saudi Arabia does have a dismal human rights record there's no doubting that. However, do we not need to be consistent? Mexico has a horrific record on human rights violations yet no one is calling for boycotting the 2026 World Cup.

[CropleyWasGod]

Saudi Arabia does have a dismal human rights record there's no doubting that. However, do we not need to be consistent? Mexico has a horrific record on human rights violations yet no one is calling for boycotting the 2026 World Cup.

... or indeed the US if they follow through on Trump's plan to deport people who were born there.

[Mon Dieu4]

Take it that means another Christmas World Cup then?

[HoboHarry]

... or indeed the US if they follow through on Trump's plan to deport people who were born there.
Willing to bet they don't, campaign rhetoric and there are more than enough that aren't born here to keep the authorities busy if they want to chase illegals down.

[GreenCastle]

Take it that means another Christmas World Cup then?

Not been fully decided yet.

Though it definitely won’t be during Ramadan which is 11th Nov till 10th Dec.

Talk of October..

[danhibees1875]

A huge part of the issue is the infrastructure requirements for the expanded tournament. The future is going to be joint bids over multiple countries or places where money is no object like Saudi.

For the 2030 World Cup the requirement was 14 stadiums over 40K capacity, 7 of which must already be built (reduced to 4 for 2034) and at least two of which must have a capacity of 60K or more for the semi finals and one of which must be 80K capacity or more for the final.

There then has to be 72 potential training base camps for teams all with a hotel on site or within a 20 minute drive. All must have media viewing facilities and a whole host of other requirements. All require exclusive use. There also has to be 4 training sites specific to each game venue for teams to use in the days before a game. Finally there has to be 2 referee training camp bases.

A minimum of 2 suitable fan zone sites per host city.

Then there is hotels. One FIFA HQ hotel of 4 or 5 star standard with a minimum of 700 rooms. One FIFA hotel per host city of 4 or 5 star standard with a between 100 and 450 guest rooms. Team hotels must be 4 or 5 star standard with minimum capacity of 80 guests. Referee HQ hotel must be 4 or 5 star standard with capacity for 300 guests. FIFA VIP hotel in each host city with minimum capacity of 50 guest rooms for standard games and 300 guest rooms for the final. There's a whole load of other hangers on requirements. Then for fans each city must have a minimum of 8000 guest rooms at 3, 4 or 5 star standard for the opening match and final, 6000 for the semi finals and 4000 for other games.

That's a whopping infrastructure requirement. The USA with a huge professional and collegiate sports program couldn't go it alone for the first expanded tournament in 2026 hence the joint bid with Mexico and Canada.

There's no morals in football. Whoever can meet the requirements will get the nod. I'm just stunned Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay and Argentina were able to secure the tournament for 2030.

That's a really interesting set of requirements- it would be interesting to see it laid out in a table and the current infrastructure in Scotland compared to show how far off we are (and thus how impressive elsewhere is).

The 2030 WC is a bit nuts in it's own right.

[Pagan Hibernia]

That's a really interesting set of requirements- it would be interesting to see it laid out in a table and the current infrastructure in Scotland compared to show how far off we are (and thus how impressive elsewhere is).

The 2030 WC is a bit nuts in it's own right.

The 2026 version isn't a whole lot better either. Three host nations (one of which has very little in common with the other two) and vast distances between venues.

The world cup is just an almighty mess now. And it's painful that it's only ever going to get bigger and messier.

[Ribs1875]

Morocco isn't ready nor I doubt will ever be suitable to host a tournament. I was there in the latter summer this year, I can't stress how much I hated their people and culture. Everyone was out to sponge off you and the men were predators. My girlfriend was looked at like a peice of meat. The airports took 2 hours to check in!

The earthquake a wee while back claimed the homes of many folk, who are now left homeless. It's a disgrace they are allowed to host a world Cup an is another example of Fifa turning a blind eye to all the ethical issues that go on in these places.

[Bristolhibby]

Take it that means another Christmas World Cup then?

This.

Gets ignored. Utter rubbish. And another winter break that nobody wants.

TBF imagine being a fan schleping round Riyadh in July in 50° heat.

Crazy that these countries even get World Cups. Tournament should be the Summer.

I’ll be 53 by then, but if Scotland are there, I’m going.

J

[Yorkshire HFC]

This.

Gets ignored. Utter rubbish. And another winter break that nobody wants.

TBF imagine being a fan schleping round Riyadh in July in 50° heat.

Crazy that these countries even get World Cups. Tournament should be the Summer.

I’ll be 53 by then, but if Scotland are there, I’m going.

J

That's the way the world is going - these new countries are the future. I'm totally against the next WC being in USA - but money always wins.

But the "traditional" football countries have no divine right to keeping things how they were 50, 60, 70 years ago - the world moves on.

Someone posted above the resources needed to host these tournaments - I can't see it ever being held in a European country again.

[Paulie Walnuts]

That's the way the world is going - these new countries are the future. I'm totally against the next WC being in USA - but money always wins.

But the "traditional" football countries have no divine right to keeping things how they were 50, 60, 70 years ago - the world moves on.

Someone posted above the resources needed to host these tournaments - I can't see it ever being held in a European country again.

There’s just no way it can’t be held in Europe again, however I did think the same when I read that post from Pretty Boy. There can’t be many places in Europe with those sort of facilities, the vast majority of Europe simply don’t have the space for it I wouldn’t have thought.

[Pretty Boy]

This.

Gets ignored. Utter rubbish. And another winter break that nobody wants.

TBF imagine being a fan schleping round Riyadh in July in 50° heat.

Crazy that these countries even get World Cups. Tournament should be the Summer.

I’ll be 53 by then, but if Scotland are there, I’m going.

J

I'm not that bothered about the winter WC.

The summer tournament is largely to accomodate the northern hemisphere teams and their season. As an example the Argentinian season runs from May to December so they are always playing a winter WC and it's always mid way through their season (Qatar being the exception). Whether you think that is an advantage or disadvantage for the southern hemisphere teams is a matter of opinion but what isn't in doubt is that every 4 years their season is interrupted in a way that isn't true of the European teams.

Part of the reason for expanding the WC is to include more teams from around the world. In 2026 there will be 3 more from Asia, 4 more from Africa, 2 more from South America and one automatic Oceania qualifier. It's still very Eurocentric with 16 teams, an increase of 3.

Both South Africa and Brazil have had to host WCs in the winter in recent times and the same will be true of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay in 2030. There is potential for 16 or more southern hemisphere teams at future WCs, I would argue a rotational basis that sees the tournament played to accommodate a southern summer every 2 or 3 tournaments is entirely fair.

[Bristolhibby]

That's the way the world is going - these new countries are the future. I'm totally against the next WC being in USA - but money always wins.

But the "traditional" football countries have no divine right to keeping things how they were 50, 60, 70 years ago - the world moves on.

Someone posted above the resources needed to host these tournaments - I can't see it ever being held in a European country again.

I think your big countries could host it. England, Germany, France. But everyone else. Na.

J

[Bristolhibby]

I'm not that bothered about the winter WC.

The summer tournament is largely to accomodate the northern hemisphere teams and their season. As an example the Argentinian season runs from May to December so they are always playing a winter WC and it's always mid way through their season (Qatar being the exception). Whether you think that is an advantage or disadvantage for the southern hemisphere teams is a matter of opinion but what isn't in doubt is that every 4 years their season is interrupted in a way that isn't true of the European teams.

Part of the reason for expanding the WC is to include more teams from around the world. In 2026 there will be 3 more from Asia, 4 more from Africa, 2 more from South America and one automatic Oceania qualifier. It's still very Eurocentric with 16 teams, an increase of 3.

Both South Africa and Brazil have had to host WCs in the winter in recent times and the same will be true of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay in 2030. There is potential for 16 or more southern hemisphere teams at future WCs, I would argue a rotational basis that sees the tournament played to accommodate a southern summer every 2 or 3 tournaments is entirely fair.

Good point. Like I said, the precedence has been set with Qatar. Wonder if Australia could be in with a shout sometime.

Got to imagine China will host it soon.

J

[GreenNWhiteArmy]

"States of Play" by Miguel Delaney is a fantastic read/listen if you're keen to learn more about the gulf nations and the way in which they have embedded into the heart of football

Make no mistake, the FA's from England and Wales were told to "back" the Saudi 2034 bid by the UK Govt. Scotland probably the same although they haven't commented

[BoomtownHibees]

The Euro’s held this year was the last one for most people to get too for a long time.

Surely get to the 2028 Euros in the UK & Ireland? Italy and Turkey in 2032 won’t be too difficult either

[Iain G]

He was meaning the previous World Cup in Qatar.

Thank you Alanis!

[theonlywayisup]

Not been fully decided yet.

Though it definitely won’t be during Ramadan which is 11th Nov till 10th Dec.

Talk of October..

The journalist on Sky Sports News was talking about it being Jan/Feb

[SHODAN]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/dec/17/fans-banned-drinking-alcohol-in-stadiums-at-saudi-world-cup-2034

I'm a non drinker so don't really care about this on a personal level, but this is ridiculous. FIFA bending over backwards for Saudi Arabia and appear to be drowning in Saudi money. Time for a breakaway organisation, the whole thing needs ripped up.

[Pretty Boy]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/dec/17/fans-banned-drinking-alcohol-in-stadiums-at-saudi-world-cup-2034

I'm a non drinker so don't really care about this on a personal level, but this is ridiculous. FIFA bending over backwards for Saudi Arabia and appear to be drowning in Saudi money. Time for a breakaway organisation, the whole thing needs ripped up.

It's total hypocrisy as well.

The House of Saud is extensive and a 5 minute search on Google will bring up plenty stories of various 'playboy' Princes gambling, drinking and womanising in Europe and the far east.

The classic do as we say not as we do.

[Hibernian Verse]

It's total hypocrisy as well.

The House of Saud is extensive and a 5 minute search on Google will bring up plenty stories of various 'playboy' Princes gambling, drinking and womanising in Europe and the far east.

The classic do as we say not as we do.

I lived in Saudi Arabia when I was young, and my parents have many a good story about some of the wealthy Arabs that would come onto the compounds to enjoy beers & whiskys with Europeans and Americans.