Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the host for the 2034 men’s World Cup, after the solitary bidder for the tournament was waved through by acclamation at a Fifa congress in Zurich. The news confirms an outcome expected for more than a year since Fifa expedited its bidding process for the event. The decision has been widely condemned by human rights organisations, who cite arbitrary detentions, the abuse and deaths of migrant workers and suppression of the rights of women and LGBTQ+ people in the country among their concerns.

• Saudi Arabia confirmed as 2034 World Cup host despite human rights concerns