Saudi Arabia confirms a ban on alcohol for 2034. The World Cup

Fans who participate in the 2034 World Cup will not be able to buy or consume alcohol in Saudi Arabia during the tournament, confirmed the land ambassador to the UK.

Speaking in an interview with LBC, Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Al Saud stated that alcohol sales would be completely banned, including hotels.

After FIFA’s confirmation that Saudi Arabia will host the World Cup for men in 2034, Prince Khalid made it clear that the attitude of the country on alcohol would remain unchanged.

“We don’t allow alcohol right now,” he said.

“It can’t be entertained without alcohol – it doesn’t take 100% and if you want to drink after you leave, you are welcome, but at this point we have no alcohol.”

When asked if fans would be allowed to drink in hotel bars, which was allowed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he reiterated: “No, there is no alcohol at all. Instead of our time, it is a dry country.

“Everyone has their own culture. We are happy to accommodate people within the borders of our culture, but we do not want to change our culture for someone else. “

Alcohol logistics at the 2034 World Cup were confirmed in Saudi Arabia.#Bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/lxnblwf63j

– BBC Sport (@bbcSport) 12. February 2025

The issue of alcohol availability was the main topic that led to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another Muslim state with a strict alcohol regulations.

At first, Katar planned to allow alcohol sales at the stadiums, but that decision revealed just a few days before the tournament began. However, fans could still buy alcoholic beverages in certain fan zones and choose hotel bars.

Saudi Arabia seems to take a firmer position by performing a complete ban on alcohol throughout the event.

Their attitude about human rights was also the subject of global supervision, especially in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. The same -sex relationships are illegal in the country, and transgender identities are not officially recognized. Nevertheless, Prince Khalid assured that everyone would be welcome in the tournament.

He added: “We will welcome everything in Saudi. It’s not a Saudi event, it’s a world event and, to a great extent, we’ll welcome everyone who wants to come. “

Saudi Arabia faced accusations to use her growing involvement in global sports as a means of “sports burden” – an effort to improve her international image in the midst of concern about human rights and environmental policies.

The nation has invested a lot in sports, including football, boxing and Formula 1, asking questions about its broader intentions.