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Infantino Floats Winter Switch for 2034 Saudi World Cup

He proposes shifting more club fixtures into June to create room for a winter tournament.

Overview

  • Gianni Infantino raised the option of staging the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia during the winter in remarks to European club leaders in Rome.
  • He suggested increasing club matches in June, arguing the month is underused in Europe, to help open a winter window for major tournaments.
  • Concerns center on Saudi summer heat approaching 39°C, with December conditions near 22°C viewed as more suitable for players and fans.
  • FIFA says any overhaul of the global calendar would be complex for club and national-team schedules, and no decision has been made despite the 2022 Qatar precedent.
  • Yahoo Sports, citing The Athletic, reported that January–February 2035 is being considered to avoid Ramadan in late 2034, a possibility that remains unconfirmed.