Another winter World Cup?! Saudi Arabia set to follow Qatar's blueprint for 2034 showpiece in the Middle East

FIFA is set to announce the Middle East nation as the host for the tournament in 2034 after Australia withdrew from the bidding process before the deadline.

Temperatures can reach 50C in Saudi Arabia in the summer, causing concerns about the safety of fans and players and raising the prospect of it being held later in the year. The 2022 edition of the tournament was the first to be moved to the winter, a controversial decision as it came in the middle of the European football season and therefore necessitated a winter break.

However, Saudi Arabian Football Federation president Yasser al-Misehal says that technology could be used to make stadiums cooler during the summer, but the prospect of holding the competition in the winter has not been ruled out.

"Of course, we are ready for all possibilities," he said at the Asian Football Confederation awards in Doha. "Today there are many new technologies that help you with cooling or adding air conditioners in stadiums, in addition to the fact that there are many cities in the kingdom that enjoy a very wonderful atmosphere in the summer."

FIFA will soon confirm Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup hosts.