Saudi Arabia is likely to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 after Australia decided not to bid to host the showpiece event.
Football Australia announced its decision just hours before the FIFA deadline for declaration of interest was reached.
Saudi Arabia is the only nation to bid to host the event now.
“We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup and – having taken all factors into consideration – we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition,” read a statement from Football Australia.
“Instead, we believe we are in a strong position to host the oldest women’s international competition in the world, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, and then welcome the greatest teams in world football for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup,” read the statement.
“Achieving this – following the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 and with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games – would represent a truly golden decade for Australian football,” read the statement.
“We wish FIFA and the eventual hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2034™ the greatest success for the good of the game and for everyone who loves our sport,” the statement further said.
The US, Mexico and Canada will host the upcoming World Cup in 2026.