Saudi Arabia has confirmed that alcohol will not be allowed during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant departure from past tournaments.
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Speaking in an interview with LBC, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, stated that no alcohol will be sold anywhere during the tournament, including in hotels.
“At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol,” Prince Khalid said. “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol—it’s not 100% necessary. If you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment, we don’t have alcohol.”
When asked whether exceptions would be made for fans in hotels, as was the case at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he firmly responded: “No, there is no alcohol at all. Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”
Saudi Arabia’s strict alcohol ban is expected to spark debate, particularly among international football fans. The issue of alcohol sales was also a major point of contention before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where an initial decision to sell alcohol in stadiums was reversed just two days before the competition began. However, in Qatar, fans were still able to purchase alcohol in designated fan zones and hotel bars—something that will not be an option in Saudi Arabia.
Beyond alcohol restrictions, concerns remain over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Same-sex relations remain illegal, and being transgender is not legally recognized in the country. However, Prince Khalid reassured that all visitors would be welcomed, stating: “It is not a Saudi event; it is a world event. To a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”
Saudi Arabia has faced accusations of “sportswashing”, with critics arguing that its vast investments in global sports are aimed at improving the kingdom’s image amid ongoing human rights concerns. Amnesty International has warned that hosting the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia could lead to “severe and widespread rights violations.”
Despite the controversies, FIFA has officially confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 World Cup, marking the first time the country will stage the prestigious tournament.