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The 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia may face scheduling issues
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico. (AP Photo)
Could the 2034 FIFA World Cup be postponed by a year?
It may sound unlikely right now, but it could become a real possibility.
The 2034 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Saudi Arabia and to avoid the country’s punishing summer heat, the tournament is widely expected to be staged during the winter, much like the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That edition was moved from its traditional June-July slot to November-December – the first time in history the tournament was held during that period of the year.
However, that solution may not work in 2034.
As per Politico, Ramadan is expected to fall during much of November and December that year. During the holy month, daily life across Saudi Arabia undergoes significant changes, with work, businesses, and many public activities often shifting to later hours. Holding football’s biggest tournament during that period could therefore present major logistical challenges.
The broader sporting calendar also leaves little room for flexibility.
The Winter Olympics are scheduled for early 2034, creating potential competition for television audiences and sponsors.
Later in 2034, Saudi Arabia will host Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage that brings millions of people to the country. The event requires extensive planning and security, making it difficult to stage another global event around the same time.
Will these factors could force FIFA to move the World Cup to the opening weeks of 2035?
FIFA has not officially indicated that such a move is under consideration. However, it may eventually need to develop a plan to navigate these scheduling challenges.
Additionally, European football leagues have opposed winter World Cups because they disrupt domestic seasons. At the same time, rising temperatures have intensified concerns about staging major sporting events during the Northern Hemisphere summer, particularly in hotter regions.
That has fueled a broader debate over whether future FIFA World Cups may require greater flexibility in scheduling.
FIFA has not officially indicated that a move of the 2034 World Cup to 2035 is under consideration. However, scheduling conflicts, including Saudi Arabia hosting the Hajj pilgrimage later in 2034, may present logistical challenges.
About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
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