FIFA on Wednesday confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, underlining the Gulf kingdom's growing influence in world sport despite criticism of the country's human rights record.

FIFA's decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia puts many lives at risk and "marks a moment of great danger", Amnesty International and 20 other organisations warned on Wednesday.

FIFA are set to confirm the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 World Cups on Wednesday.

FIFA has come under fire for its partnership with Saudi Arabian oil and gas company Aramco.

Saudi Arabia, the only bidder for the 2034 World Cup, will host the 48-team tournament in fifteen stadiums across five cities, including eight in the capital, state media said on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia is prepared to host the 2034 World Cup in summer or winter, its football chief told AFP, as the conservative oil giant was anointed the tournament's host just weeks after announcing a bid.

Indonesian soccer leader Erick Thohir said on Wednesday that his federation now supports Saudi Arabia.

A formidable Saudi Arabia didn't bring their 'A' game to the fore yet were strong enough to ward off a gutsy challenge from India winning their pre-quarterfinal match 2-0

India vs Saudi Arabia Highlights: Saudi Arabia defeated India 2-0 in the Asian Games 2023 men's football Round of 16 match on Thursday.

Asian Games 2023 Highlights, Day 5: Indian athletes added to their medal tally with another gold.

The Indian football team held its first training session in Hangzhou before their round of 16 match at the Asian Games.

Roberto Mancini is the latest high-profile acquisition for the world's top oil exporter which has snapped up some of football's biggest players in a spree costing hundreds of millions of dollars.

Roberto Mancini was on Sunday named as the new coach of the Saudi Arabia national team on a deal reported to be worth more than $25 million a year

While he was revealed by the club with a lot of pomp and show, during a press conference Ronaldo had a slip of tongue, which he would hope he had avoided. While speaking he mistakenly said he has come to South Africa instead of Saudi Arabia.

There haven't been many clubs that the Portuguese has been linked to since leaving the Red Devils. However, a whopping 200 million Euros per year salary offer has reportedly come from Saudi Arabia club Al Nassr

Lionel Messi's Argentina beat Poland 2-0 on Wednesday to top World Cup Group C and reach the last 16 as the Poles also progressed on goal difference.

FIFA World Cup 2022, Poland vs Argentina, Saudi Arabia vs Mexico Highlights: Argentina and Poland qualified for the Round of 16 from Group C.

Poland and Argentina occupy the top two spots in the FIFA World Cup Group C. Saudi Arabia and Mexico are also in the fray for the two Round of 16 spots.