FIFA has entered into a partnership with Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company.
The agreement, which runs until 2027, grants Aramco sponsorship rights for the Men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup in 2027.
Aramco is also involved in other sports, holding sponsorship agreements with Formula 1 and partnering with the International Cricket Council.
“Aramco has a strong track record of supporting world-class events, but also a focus on developing grassroots sport initiatives,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
The partnership signifies that the Gulf kingdom is continuing to expand its global influence in sports.
Saudi Arabia has faced accusations from critics of using investments in sports and high-profile events to enhance its international image, a practice often referred to as ‘sportswashing’.
The country has drawn criticism for human rights abuses, including the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, violations of women’s rights, the criminalization of homosexuality, restrictions on free speech, and involvement in the conflict in Yemen.
A report published in November 2023 revealed that Saudi Arabia was involved in 312 sponsorship deals across 21 different sports. Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup, having officially launched its bid in March after Australia withdrew in October. FIFA is set to confirm the host later this year.
Amnesty International has expressed concern over the Aramco deal, citing “human rights concerns” and urging FIFA to establish “binding agreements with Saudi Arabia to protect people from exploitation, discrimination, and repression” before granting it the tournament.