In Saudi's unchallenged path to 2034 FIFA World Cup, pointers for India's Olympic ambitions

THAT SAUDI ARABIA would get the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup was a foregone conclusion once it became clear that the world governing body itself was going out of its way to ensure that particular outcome.

- Tushar Bhaduri

Recent history suggests that when the ruling establishment in the desert kingdom intends to get something, especially in the realm of sport, it usually gets its way.

Hence, despite the last edition being held in the Gulf region just two years ago, FIFA's showpiece event will be held in Qatar's immediate neighbourhood after another dozen years.

It shows the sort of influence and power Saudi Arabia has cultivated in the world of sport that there were no competing bids when the decision was made. The 2026 World Cup will be held in North America and will be jointly hosted in three continents – Europe, Africa and South America in 2030, the centennial year of the World Cup.

That left only Oceania as a region, and Australia had expressed interest in bidding for 2036. However, the bidding process was unexpectedly sped up, giving interested parties only 25 days to express interest. It wasn't enough time for Australia to present a viable bid and they had no option but to pull out of the race, leaving Saudi Arabia to be chosen unopposed. It's said that FIFA president Gianni Infantino was engaged in private diplomacy on Saudi Arabia's behalf.

Football, tennis, motorsport, golf and even cricket, the Saudi ruling family has been extending its footprint across the sporting world, mainly through the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Since the 2022 World Cup, some of the most high-profile footballers in the world – such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez – have moved to the Saudi professional league for huge transfer fees and eye-catching salaries.