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Football’s world governing body FIFA have announced that the men’s World Cup in 2034 will be held in Saudi Arabia.

The decision to award the tournament to the kingdom is a controversial one. Saudi has been accused of 'sportswashing' - using its spending on sport to improve the oil-producing kingdom's reputation over its human rights record and environmental impact.

Their bid was unopposed and it’s the second time the competition will be held in the Middle East following the Qatar World Cup in 2022.

Â鶹Éç Persia journalist Pooria Jaffreh told Sport Today’s Ed Harry what the 2034 World Cup means to the country, and how they might deliver the tournament.

Photo: FIFA President Gianni Infantino announces Saudi Arabia as the host of the FIFA World Cup 2034 during the Extraordinary FIFA Congress 2024 at the Home of FIFA on December 11, 2024 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)