FIFA has officially awarded Saudi Arabia the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the organization announced today following a council meeting. The tournament will be held across five Saudi Arabian cities, utilizing 15 stadiums.

This marks the second time an Islamic nation will host the World Cup, following Qatar’s successful 2022 tournament. The announcement was met with enthusiastic celebrations in Riyadh, with thousands gathering in historical areas like Diriyah and the Boulevard Riyadh City to mark the occasion.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that football is a unique sport that unites the world, and the 2034 World Cup will provide a spectacular opportunity for global unity.

Separately, FIFA also confirmed that the 2030 World Cup will be a multi-continental event, jointly hosted by six countries across three continents: Morocco, Portugal, and Spain in Europe, and Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay in South America.

The opening three matches of the 2030 tournament will be held in South America as part of the World Cup’s centenary celebrations.