FIFA has confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The world football governing body announced at an online FIFA Congress on Wednesday.
At the same time, the world football’s governing body confirmed that Morocco, Spain and Portugal will be joint hosts of the 2030 World Cup, which will also see three games played in South America.
Saudi Arabia emerged last year as the sole bidder in a controversial process that saw FIFA combine the decisions on the 2030 and 2034 tournaments into a single vote, meaning delegates either supported or opposed both bids with no separate vote available.
The kingdom’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been using sport for some time to amass influence and improve its global image.
Saudi Arabia already hosts several high-profile events including a Formula One Grand Prix, heavyweight boxing contests, the LIV rival golf circuit funded by Saudi’s sovereign wealth fund, and the WTA Finals tennis.