Saudi Arabia confirms alcohol ban at the 2034 World Cup
Fans participating in the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia will not be able to buy or consume alcohol during the tournament, the British ambassador confirmed.
In an interview with LBC, Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Al Saud said that the sale of alcohol, including hotels, would be banned entirely.
Following FIFA’s confirmation that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 Men’s World Cup, Prince Khalid has made it clear that the country’s stance on alcohol remains the same.
“At this time, we don’t allow alcohol,” he said.
“There’s a lot of fun without alcohol. You don’t need it 100%. I’m welcome if you want to drink after you leave, but at this point there’s no alcohol.”
He repeated when asked if fans would be allowed to drink at hotel bars, as permitted at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. “No, there’s no alcohol at all. Rather, like our weather, it’s a dry country.
“Everyone has their own culture. We are happy to cater to people within the boundaries of our culture, but we want to change our culture for someone else. there is no.”
Alcohol logistics at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia have been confirmed.#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/lxnblwf63j
– BBC Sports (@bbcsport) February 12, 2025
The issue of alcohol availability was a major topic leading up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another Muslim majority nation with strict alcohol regulations.
Initially, Qatar was planning to allow alcohol sales at the stadium, but that decision was reversed just days before the tournament began. However, fans were able to purchase alcoholic beverages in the designated fan zone and choose a hotel bar.
However, Saudi Arabia appears to be taking a stronger stance by banning alcohol entirely through the event.
Their stance on human rights is also subject to global scrutiny, particularly on LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex relationships are illegal in the country, and transgender identity is not officially recognized. Nevertheless, Prince Khalid assured that everyone would be welcomed in the tournament.
He added: “We welcome everyone in the Saudi Arabia. It’s not a Saudi event, it’s a global event, and most of it welcomes those who want to come.”
Saudi Arabia faces allegations that it is using increased involvement in global sports as a means of “sport scattering,” an effort to improve its international image amid concerns over human rights and environmental policy. Masu.
The country has invested heavily in sports such as soccer, boxing and Formula 1, raising questions about its broader intentions.