Saudi Arabia are all set to host the 2034 edition of the World Cup, after Australia opted not to bid for the tournament.
Football Australia claimed that it had “explored the opportunity” of a bid but ultimately chose not to pursue it.
“We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup and – having taken all factors into consideration – we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition,” the Australian FA said in a statement.
“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.
“Achieving this – following the 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 leaves Saudi Arabia as the sole bidder.
Saudi Arabia announced its interest in hosting the 2034 tournament just hours after FIFA outlined the process. With the 2026 finals going to the United States, Canada and Mexico, and Spain, Portugal and Morocco likely to host the 2030 finals, only bids from the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation will be considered for the 2034 finals.
