In 10 years, the 2034 men's World Cup will be played in Saudi Arabia. Human-rights groups have criticised Saudi's suitability to stage the finals since even before it formally expressed an interest last year in doing so. These concerns include the treatment of migrant workers, women and the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. FIFA graded Saudi's bid as the strongest to have ever been made by a potential World Cup host. Under FIFA regulations, only two eligible federations -- the AFC (Asia) and OFC (Oceania -- New Zealand and the Pacific Island nations). With Saudi Arabia, a member of the former, making its interest clear to rival associations, only one other nation explored a possible bid -- Australia, an Asian nation in football and which has never hosted the men's World Cup, but staged a successful women's version, co-hosting with New Zealand, in 2023 and has been the home of two summer Olympics. After Australia's withdrawal, and with no other viable bids forthcoming, Saudi stood alone -- hosts for 2034 by default.