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FIFA Weighs Moving 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia to Early 2035 to Avoid Ramadan

Gianni Infantino says the timing is under discussion, with consultations across leagues to precede any decision.

Overview

  • The Athletic reports the tournament could start in early 2035, with January cited as a strong possibility to avoid the Ramadan period expected in November and December 2034.
  • FIFA has not announced any official change to the 2034 schedule and says it will coordinate with confederations and domestic leagues before deciding.
  • Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 World Cup was confirmed at FIFA’s Extraordinary Congress in Zurich.
  • Qatar 2022 established a precedent by moving to a November–December window for climate reasons, a factor shaping current deliberations.
  • Infantino signaled broader calendar discussions for international football, noting concerns about extreme summer heat in parts of Europe.