FIFA considers postponing 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia

FIFA is reportedly considering an unprecedented scheduling change for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia that could push the tournament outside its originally planned year.

The central complication is Ramadan, which in this projection would run from 12 November to 12 December. Because the holy month overlaps the traditional November–December window, organisers are said to be weighing alternatives to avoid staging matches during Ramadan.

Unlike the 2022 World Cup in Qatar — the first modern tournament held in winter rather than summer — officials are exploring options that go even further: the competition might take place at the start of 2034 or, in a more radical move, be postponed until January 2035. The possibility that the tournament could take place in early 2034 or even in January 2035 has not been ruled out.

Logistics, players and fans

Shifting the World Cup would have broad consequences for domestic leagues, international calendars and fan travel. Holding the event in January 2035 would create rare calendar overlap with club competitions and require renegotiation of broadcasting and commercial agreements.

FIFA has not published final dates and organisers say planning is ongoing. Tournament organisers are reported to be preparing contingency plans described as "something entirely different" for this edition, but no formal decision has yet been announced.

Photo: press material from the event