Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 men’s World Cup has raised significant concerns among human rights organizations about potential severe and widespread rights violations. The Gulf state, set to be confirmed as the host this week, has faced persistent criticism over its treatment of migrant workers, whose labor is integral to constructing the infrastructure necessary for one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Saudi Arabia relies heavily on its migrant workforce, with more than 10 million migrants from primarily Asian and African countries employed in construction, hospitality, and domestic sectors. These workers frequently endure exploitative conditions, including unsafe working environments, illegal recruitment fees, and instances of unpaid wages. Advocacy groups have highlighted a lack of thorough investigations into the causes of deaths among workers, suggesting that poor living and working conditions may contribute to these fatalities.
Data has revealed a troubling pattern of unexplained deaths among migrant workers. Between 2008 and 2022, over 13,000 Bangladeshi workers died in Saudi Arabia, with more than 1,500 deaths recorded in 2022 alone. The majority of these deaths were classified as due to “natural causes,” raising questions about the transparency and thoroughness of investigations. Relatives of deceased workers have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity, with many unable to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of their loved ones.
Critics have drawn parallels between Saudi Arabia’s upcoming hosting of the World Cup and the controversies surrounding the 2022 tournament in Qatar, which also faced scrutiny over labor rights abuses. Despite these concerns, Saudi Arabia is poised to secure hosting rights without any binding commitments to prevent further exploitation of workers. A report submitted as part of Saudi Arabia’s bid has been criticized for failing to address allegations of abuse, with human rights advocates accusing the bid of seeking to “whitewash” the nation’s labor record.
Saudi officials maintain that robust regulations are in place to protect workers’ rights and assert that all workplace incidents are investigated thoroughly. However, labor rights advocates argue that systemic issues remain unaddressed, with many workers continuing to operate in unsafe conditions without adequate protections. Activists emphasize that recognizing and addressing these issues is essential to fostering meaningful change.
Beyond labor rights, concerns about broader human rights issues in Saudi Arabia persist. Critics have pointed to the country’s record of suppressing dissent, imprisoning activists, and curbing freedoms. Women’s rights activists, in particular, have highlighted the regime’s use of symbolic gestures such as lifting the driving ban and appointing women to prominent positions as a strategy to deflect attention from ongoing repression. Activists who campaigned for these changes have often faced imprisonment, torture, or other forms of retaliation.
The World Cup is seen by some as part of a broader strategy to use high-profile events to improve Saudi Arabia’s international image. This phenomenon, often referred to as “sportswashing,” has drawn criticism from those who argue that sports should serve as a platform for peace and progress rather than as a tool for rehabilitating the image of oppressive regimes.
The potential for the World Cup to drive change remains a topic of debate. Some advocates believe that the tournament could serve as a catalyst for improving labor and human rights conditions in the host country, provided that governing bodies like FIFA insist on meaningful reforms as a prerequisite for hosting. Others, however, caution that without enforceable commitments, the event risks exacerbating existing issues rather than addressing them.
Ultimately, the decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup underscores the ongoing tension between the commercial and ethical dimensions of global sporting events. While some view the tournament as an opportunity to promote progress, others warn that hosting rights for countries with contentious human rights records risk legitimizing and perpetuating systemic abuses. The responsibility for ensuring that the World Cup contributes to positive change will rest not only with Saudi Arabia but also with international organizations and stakeholders committed to holding the host nation accountable.
