Key Takeaways
- Follows Qatar’s precedent of avoiding summer heat
- Tournament moves from late 2034 to January 2035
- Change respects Ramadan fasting requirements
Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup in January 2035 instead of the originally planned November-December 2034 period, avoiding scheduling conflicts with the holy month of Ramadan.
The adjustment addresses concerns about Muslim players fasting during daylight hours while competing in the tournament.
The decision follows FIFA’s recognition that traditional summer and winter hosting windows require flexibility for global tournaments.
The original 2034 schedule would have placed the entire tournament within Ramadan, creating physical challenges for fasting players and logistical issues for predominantly Muslim host nation operations.
The January 2035 timing creates the first World Cup to officially span two calendar years, though the event will maintain the 2034 designation.
The schedule mirrors Qatar’s 2022 winter World Cup, which similarly avoided summer temperatures that regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) in Gulf regions.
The Ramadan consideration particularly affects Muslim players, who would face physical strain from fasting during match days.
The January timing also offers milder temperatures for outdoor matches across Saudi venues.
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