FIFA World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia could be moved to January due to extreme temperature

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was also held in the winter

Next week, it is anticipated that Saudi Arabia, the only contender to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, will be granted the opportunity to host football’s biggest event in ten years.

At a congress, FIFA’s 211 member countries will decide who will host the 2030 and 2034 competitions. It is quite likely that Saudi Arabia would be selected as the host country for the latter event since it has no rivals.

Up to six host countries are anticipated in 2030, with the majority of the games taking place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the first three taking place in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

Another winter FIFA World Cup?

Although it is still scheduled for a summer start, football fans will probably be looking at another winter event, similar to Qatar 2022, considering the intense summer temperatures in Saudi Arabia.

🚨🚨| The 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia is unlikely to be held in the summer due to extreme temperatures and 'could' instead be held in January to avoid clashing with Ramadan. 🏆🇸🇦[@TimesSport] pic.twitter.com/dT2lPrbmCB

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) December 3, 2024

According to reports, a January start date is being considered this time around to prevent conflict with Ramadan. Two years ago, the World Cup began in November, with European football suspended for just over a month.

In 2034, Ramadan—a month of fasting, introspection, community, and faith as part of what is regarded as one of the holiest times followed by Muslims worldwide—will take place from November 11 to December 10, ruling out a World Cup-like the one in Qatar.

The only two choices would be to play in the summer when players and spectators would be at risk from the 40-degree heat, or at the beginning of the year when a postponed winter break would be implemented.

Unless there is an improbable agreement from the Saudi authorities permitting non-observance of this immensely holy occasion, a kick-off in early January is reportedly being contemplated.

It is doubtful that the World Cup may start later than early January to accommodate the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, which are scheduled to begin on February 10.

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