FIFA Relaxes Bidding Rules for the 2034 Men’s World Cup, Allowing Countries with Fewer Stadiums to Host the Tournament
FIFA has made a decision to relax the bidding rules for stadiums for the 2034 men’s World Cup, allowing countries with fewer established football venues to have the opportunity to host the tournament. This move contradicts the efforts seen in other sports to create more sustainable events and avoid unnecessary construction projects.
In FIFA’s summary of the bidding processes for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments, member associations were required to propose a minimum of 14 suitable stadiums, with at least seven of them already existing. However, in the recently circulated overview of hosting requirements for 2034, this requirement has been relaxed. The new document states that any bid must propose a minimum of four existing stadiums out of the 14 suggested.
FIFA has designated the 2034 tournament to bidders from Asia and Oceania under its rotation policy. Within minutes of bids opening, Saudi Arabia announced its intention to host the event.
For the tournament, FIFA has set a minimum capacity requirement of 40,000 for stadiums, with larger stadiums needed for key matches, accommodating 60,000 to 80,000 spectators. Saudi Arabia’s successful bid proposal for the 2027 Asian Cup included four stadiums with a capacity of 40,000 or more, including two upgraded stadiums in Riyadh, one in Jeddah, and a newly built stadium in Dammam. Construction on Dammam Stadium began last month.
A spokesperson from FIFA explained that the updated bidding regulations for 2034 were based on the requirements for the 2030 tournament, adapted to fit the purpose of the event. The decision to reduce the number of required existing stadiums to four was made considering the longer lead-in time to the tournament and the aim of having the best possible quality infrastructure.
The updated document also clarifies the definition of “existing” stadiums, including those currently under construction or undergoing renovation or reconstruction while preserving the main structural elements. FIFA will determine if a stadium is considered “existing” based on the provided project documentation and official inspection visits.
Potential hosts interested in the 2034 World Cup must submit their expressions of interest by October 31. Australia is currently exploring the possibility of submitting a bid.
While the International Olympic Committee encourages the use of existing facilities for Olympic hosts, with the majority of venues for the Paris 2024 Olympics being pre-existing or temporary structures, FIFA’s decision to relax the bidding rules for stadiums stands in contrast to this approach. The Australian Olympic Committee claims that the 2032 Brisbane Olympics will be cost-neutral due to the use of existing facilities, with plans to renovate the Gabba stadium at a cost of $2.7bn in time for the event.
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