Football fans attending the 2034 FIFA World Cup will face a disappointing restriction, as alcohol will be strictly prohibited in stadiums throughout the tournament. This announcement follows Saudi Arabia’s recent selection as the host nation for the event, a decision made public just last week.
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Although FIFA has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, sources confirm that attendees will not be allowed to purchase alcohol at World Cup matches. Saudi Arabia, which has maintained a strict ban on alcohol since 1952, enforces far more conservative laws compared to Qatar, the host nation for the 2022 World Cup.
In Qatar, FIFA faced significant backlash when beer sales were suddenly banned just two days before the tournament began. The last-minute decision cost FIFA an estimated £40 million in compensation to Budweiser’s parent company, AB InBev. Despite this setback, AB InBev extended its FIFA sponsorship through the 2026 tournament and has also signed on for the 2025 Club World Cup, seeking clarity on FIFA’s alcohol policies for 2034.
In Saudi Arabia, alcohol is currently available only at one shop in Riyadh, exclusively for non-Muslim diplomats under strict quotas. The sale of alcohol remains illegal for the general public, with the government focusing on curbing the black market trade. FIFA sources have indicated there are no plans to press the Saudi government to relax these restrictions ahead of the World Cup.
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and FIFA remains strong, with the Kingdom offering substantial financial backing. State oil giant Aramco has committed £320 million to a four-year sponsorship deal, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is expected to invest in DAZN, a company that secured global broadcasting rights for the FIFA Club World Cup with an £800 million deal.
While alcohol sales will be banned in stadiums, the availability of alcohol in fan zones and hotels remains uncertain. With a decade until the tournament, FIFA has yet to clarify its stance on these areas, leaving fans with much to speculate about in the years to come.
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