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The Saudi World Cup is anticipated to begin in January 2034, ensuring it aligns with the Islamic calendar.
This timing is expected to cause a further significant reduction in the Christmas Premier League fixture list, akin to the effects seen during the Qatar tournament that kicked off in November 2022.
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Credit: www.dezeen.com
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Credit: www.dezeen.com
Representatives from the 211 FIFA member nations are set to finalize the host cities for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments at the upcoming congress.
This meeting will confirm that the 2030 World Cup will mainly be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the first three matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Saudi Arabia is the only candidate for the 2034 tournament, and the announcement regarding both events is expected to be approved unanimously.
Formally, the Saudi event is still planned for summer.
However, given the region’s extreme heat, which can soar to 45°C in June, this raises concerns about the health and safety of players and fans traveling.
While the historic winter World Cup in Qatar took place in November and December 2022, current scheduling complexities make a January start for the 2034 event seem more feasible.
The Saudi timeline is synchronized with the anticipated period of Ramadan, a month when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
Unless an arrangement is reached with Saudi officials to allow exceptions to this religious observance—an unlikely scenario—a January 1 kickoff is under review.
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This situation may lead to December 26 fixtures concluding a condensed first half of the domestic season, demanding modifications to accommodate the early matches of three European club tournaments within a tight schedule.
The 2026 World Cup, which will feature an expanded format of 48 teams and 104 matches, is estimated to have a “footprint” of 38 days for match play.
Saudi Arabia reveals new visuals of the 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium in preparation for the 2034 World Cup
Though this timeline might be slightly rushed, 35 days is viewed as the absolute minimum duration.
As a result, a break of around seven weeks in the Premier League season is anticipated.
Complete List of Saudi Arabia’s Extraordinary Stadiums
Riyadh
- King Salman International Stadium – 92,760
- King Fahad Sports City Stadium – 70,200
- Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium – 46,979
- New Murabba Stadium – 46,010
- Roshn Stadium – 46,000
- Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium – 46,865
- South Riyadh Stadium – 47,060
- King Saud University Stadium – 46,319
Jeddah
- King Abdullah Sports City Stadium – 58,432
- Qiddiya Coast Stadium – 46,096
- Jeddah Central Development Stadium – 45,794
- King Abdullah Economic City Stadium – 45,700
Al Khobar
Abha
- King Khalid University Stadium – 45,428
Neom
