FIFA are scrambling for ideas as they look ahead to the logistical nightmare presented by the 2034 World Cup.
is in line to host in eight years time and, similarly to , it is expected to be moved to winter – due to extreme weather conditions.
The 2034 World Cup could be played in 2035 due to immovable religious and sports events Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Saudi World Cup is expected to be hosted during winter Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
But with the immovable religious calendar and fixed sports dates, the whole schedule could be thrown into disarray.
When their Qatari neighbours hosted in 2022, they held the tournament from November 20 to December 18, so fans will likely be expecting something similar.
They hit a sweet spot in Qatar when they easily avoided the month of in April.
In 2034, Ramadan has been projected to begin around November 12 and finish on December 12 as dictated by the Islamic lunar calendar.
During this month, the whole rhythm of Saudi will shift with work and school hours reduced.
By day, the city will be quiet as millions fast and it is customary and respectful to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during these hours.
By night, temporary markets, malls, shops, restaurants all bring life back to the country.
And this could make hosting the World Cup very difficult.
Salt Lake City, USA, is set to host the Winter Olympics in January and February 2034 Credit: Getty
Another clash could be seen if they moved it earlier in the year as Salt Lake City’s Winter Olympics are scheduled for January and February.
Then in March, millions of pilgrims will make the journey to Mecca for Hajj.
As the spring approaches, temperatures will begin to soar and cannot completely throw the rest of the world’s leagues and competitions to the wind.
If the tournament , then the tournament will require an even bigger window than what has just passed.
The hosts need six to seven weeks to stage the tournament over Saudi’s 15 proposed stadiums, possibly with 64 teams.
If it was compacted further than this year’s, then they could manage 48 teams at 16 stadiums over five and some weeks.
But one sweet spot could be between Christmas 2034 and mid-February 2035 before Hajj.
Weather is going to continue to be an issue for sports scheduling as globalisation continues and climate change becomes more obvious.
Two million pilgrims are expected to journey to Mecca in March 2034 for Hajj Credit: Getty
Fifa president Gianni Infantino came under fire for several controversies at the 2026 World Cup Credit: Getty
In 2025, Fifa president explained how even in Europe, July is often “very, very hot”.
On future planning, he said: “We are already into the nitty-gritty, we are discussing all the time.
“It’s not just about one World Cup, it’s a general reflection.
“The best month to play football, which is June, is not used very much in Europe.
“Maybe there are ways we can optimise the calendar, but we are discussing it and we will see when we come to some conclusions.
“We just have to keep an open mind.”
A thoughtful approach may be required for the Saudi Arabian hosts as a huge conversation over their is likely to spark widespread debate – as was the case with Qatar and Russia.
And even with Fifa and Uefa’s football civil war, seemingly simple decisions may be scuppered by faults in communication.
Uefa President the 2026 World Cup final over Folarin Balogun’s .
And this could escalate to see further European pressure over any schedule changes in 2034.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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