Qatar, the first Middle Eastern nation to host a FIFA World Cup, has faced extensive international criticism over the treatment of its migrant workers, women and gay people before and during the men's football tournament - allegations it says it has addressed.
And when Australia co-hosts the next one - the FIFA Women's World Cup alongside New Zealand in July and August 2023 - human rights experts say it too will face exposure on the world stage.
Director of the Australian Human Rights Institute, Professor Justine Nolan, spoke to SBS News about some of the areas that could face scrutiny next year.
Read the full interview here.