The 2034 FIFA World Cup, officially awarded to Saudi Arabia, may not actually take place in that year. According to recent reports, world football’s governing body is re-evaluating the tournament schedule due to the overlap with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan — and the country’s intense summer climate.
During the European Club Association’s General Assembly in Rome, FIFA President Gianni Infantino hinted that the organization is open to rescheduling the event to ensure “an optimized and balanced international calendar.”
He emphasized the need to adapt to global realities, saying that football must “continuously evolve and improve.”
Ramadan complicates FIFA’s scheduling plans
In 2034, Ramadan is expected to fall in November and December — traditionally the same period when the 2022 Qatar World Cup was held.
Hosting matches during this time would pose significant logistical and religious challenges for Saudi Arabia, where Islam is the official state religion.
For that reason, FIFA is reportedly considering moving the World Cup to early 2035, according to The Athletic.
The decision would mirror the precedent set by the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which was moved from the traditional June–July window to avoid extreme desert heat.
A similar approach would likely apply to Saudi Arabia, where summer temperatures often exceed 45°C, making outdoor matches nearly impossible.
Balancing faith, weather, and global football interests
Adjusting the tournament dates would also affect domestic leagues, sponsorship schedules, and player rest periods. However, FIFA appears ready to take the necessary steps to balance the interests of both athletes and host nations.
“The world keeps turning, and we must always strive to improve,” Infantino said, underscoring FIFA’s willingness to adapt its long-standing calendar for the evolving global landscape.
While the final decision has not yet been made, discussions are already underway among stakeholders.
If confirmed, the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia could become the first ever FIFA tournament to be officially held in 2035 — symbolizing both the sport’s globalization and its growing sensitivity to cultural and environmental realities.
