It has been reported that Saudi Arabia is likely to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup after Australia’s soccer federation announced it won’t submit a competitive bid for the tournament.

According to reports, Australia is backing out on its bid to host the 2034 World Cup, hours before FIFA’s deadline for countries to express interest.

That was the only hurdle in the way for the Middle Eastern country as it plans to bring the world’s most-watched sporting event back to the gulf.

Weeks ago Saudi Arabia made clear its intent to bid and as it stands they are the only ones with a bid.

This means Saudi Arabia will be the second Arab country to ever host the World Cup following Qatar in 2022.

FIFA is to make an official statement soon.