FIFA's 2024 Congress: World Cup News & Controversies

The Extraordinary FIFA Congress 2024 delivered significant news, awarding the 2030 and 2034 World Cups to a joint bid and Saudi Arabia respectively, alongside addressing a map controversy regarding Ukraine.

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2030 & 2034 World Cup Hosts Announced

A historic joint bid from Morocco, Portugal, and Spain secured the hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup™, marking the centenary celebration. This decision was lauded by FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a symbol of unity in a fragmented world. The tournament will also include matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Saudi Arabia was awarded the 2034 World Cup, showcasing FIFA's commitment to the global distribution of the event. The bidding process was rigorous, aiming for balanced representation across confederations. This announcement signifies a major step in FIFA's long-term planning and strategic vision for the future of the World Cup.

FIFA Apologizes for Ukraine Map Error

FIFA issued a formal apology for displaying an inaccurate map of Ukraine during the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw, which omitted Crimea. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and Football Association expressed their disapproval of this oversight. The map, intended to show geopolitical restrictions, failed to accurately reflect Ukraine's internationally recognized borders, including Crimea, which remains legally Ukrainian territory despite Russia's annexation in 2014. FIFA swiftly removed the map and initiated an internal review, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the geopolitical situation in Crimea and the importance of accurate representation in international events. This incident underscores the complexities of international relations and the potential for even seemingly minor errors to have significant political repercussions.

FIFA's Website and Data Privacy

While not directly related to the congress, it's important to note that FIFA's official website (www.fifa.com) prioritizes user data privacy. The site clearly outlines its cookie policy, detailing the types of cookies used and providing users with options to manage their privacy settings, including the ability to opt out of non-essential cookies. This demonstrates FIFA's commitment to transparency and user control over their personal information, a crucial aspect of responsible online engagement.