Saudi Arabia has made it clear that alcohol will not be allowed during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, including in stadiums, fan zones, or hotels. The country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, confirmed the decision in a recent interview, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia will host the tournament within the framework of its cultural values.
"At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol," Prince Khalid said. "Plenty of fun can be had without it. If you want to drink after you leave, you're welcome to, but at the moment, we don’t have alcohol."
Unlike the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where alcohol was initially planned for stadiums before being restricted to designated fan zones and hotels, Saudi Arabia’s policy appears stricter—there will be no alcohol at all during the event.
Prince Khalid highlighted that Saudi Arabia welcomes visitors from around the world but does not intend to change its culture for the tournament. "Everyone has their own culture," he said. "We are happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture."
This decision clarifies an issue that had been debated since Saudi Arabia was confirmed as the 2034 World Cup host, particularly among FIFA sponsors, including major beer brands that traditionally play a role in World Cup marketing.
While Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world, its selection has also drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Groups like Amnesty International have raised concerns about the country’s laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and migrant worker protections.
Critics argue that without significant reforms, the World Cup could lead to human rights violations. Saudi officials, however, have stated that everyone is welcome at the tournament while reiterating that visitors will need to respect the country’s cultural and legal boundaries.
What Comes Next?
As preparations for 2034 get underway, FIFA and the international community will closely watch how Saudi Arabia handles inclusivity, human rights concerns, and logistical planning for the event. While the alcohol ban is now confirmed, other aspects of how the tournament will be managed—including fan experiences, tourism policies, and safety measures—will be key areas of focus in the coming years.
Saudi Arabia is aiming to deliver a World Cup that reflects its values, while also proving it can host a truly global sporting event. How this balance is achieved will be a major topic of discussion leading up to 2034.