Overview: Wednesday saw FIFA, the international authority on football, officially announcing Saudi Arabia as the venue for the 2034 World Cup. This decision, however, was immediately engulfed by sharp criticism from various global human rights bodies. The win bolsters Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ongoing efforts in rebranding and presenting the nation in a more international light. Yet, the country’s saddening track record of human rights violations, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and suppressive measure against dissenters, casts a gloomy shade over this accomplishment. Anticipation of possible exploitation of migrant workers who will spearhead stadium construction and infrastructure development is on a rise, mirroring previous issues experienced in Qatar for the recent World Cup. Human rights groups are collectively vocalising potential risks to both nationals and foreign spectators, with Saudi Arabia’s appointment stirring controversy. Further, FIFA disclosed that the World Cup 2030 will be a joint venture between Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. This move indirectly eliminated any chance of European, African, or South American countries hosting the 2034 tournament, leaving Saudi Arabia unchallenged. This event is anticipated to yield incredible profits for FIFA, with suggested earnings of around $11 billion from the upcoming 2026 games co-hosted by U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Invoking the contentious practices and ecological implications of the 2022 match held in Qatar, critics express similar concerns for the 2034 event in Saudi Arabia. While the country endeavors to amplify tourism and sports, introducing progressive initiatives like endorsing women’s sports and terminating gender segregation, reservations continue over the restriction on freedom of speech and human rights violations.