ISTANBUL

The Australian Football Federation confirmed Tuesday that they opted against bidding for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. 

"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," it said in a statement.

The body added that Australia is still interested in hosting the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and the 2029 Club World Cup.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the men's 2034 football event after Australia decided against bidding to stage the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup, the first-ever 48-team World Cup, will take place in 16 cities across Canada, the US and Mexico.

The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain with 48 national teams on three continents.

Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay were handed the opening three matches.