In October 2023, the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited FIFA to respond to civil society concerns over the process and awarding of the 2030 and 2034 men’s World Cups. The 2030 World Cup was awarded to a joint bid from Morocco, Portugal and Spain. As of 1 November, Saudi Arabia had entered the only bid for the 2034 World Cup prompting concerns that the Gulf state's poor human rights record including well-documented abuse of migrant workers, repression of LGBT+ rights and women's rights were incompatible with FIFA's human rights responsibilities and own commitments. FIFA's full response can be read below.

Human Rights Watch alleges FIFA has “broken its own human rights rules in announcing a plan for hosting the next two men’s World Cups that effectively eliminates bidding and human rights due diligence”. HRW also says FIFA has not yet provided response to correspondence requesting, among other aspects, information on the human rights due diligence process prior to the awarding of the 2030 World Cup, and asks for information on the due diligence and stakeholder consultations for both 2030 and 2034 World Cups.

Additionally, the Sport & Rights Alliance has called on FIFA to secure “clear and binding commitments” from bidders for the 2030 and 2034 World Cup tournaments to protect workers’ rights, ensure freedom of expression and prevent discrimination. Other organisations, including Fare and Athlete Ally among others, have also raised similar concerns.