Football fans attending the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia will face a complete ban on alcohol, with the host nation confirming that no exceptions will be made for the tournament. This decision marks a strict continuation of Saudi Arabia’s long-standing prohibition on alcohol, which has been in place for over 70 years.

Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, confirmed the ban in an interview with LBC, stating that alcohol will not be available in stadiums, hotels, or restaurants during the competition.

No Alcohol in Any Venue

Unlike the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which allowed alcohol sales in designated fan zones and hotel bars, Saudi Arabia has ruled out any similar arrangements. Prince Khalid made it clear that the country’s cultural and legal stance on alcohol will not change for the tournament.

📌 Key Points on the Alcohol Ban:
✔ No alcohol will be available anywhere – including stadiums, hotels, fan zones, or restaurants.
✔ Strict penalties apply – prison sentences, fines, public flogging, or deportation for anyone caught breaking the law.
✔ No last-minute changes expected, unlike Qatar’s 2022 alcohol policy reversal.

In response to potential concerns from international football fans, Prince Khalid commented:

“Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol – it is not 100 percent necessary. If you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment, we don’t have alcohol.”

When asked whether alcohol might be permitted in hotel bars, he firmly stated:

“No, there is no alcohol at all. Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”

Cultural Differences & FIFA’s Decision

Saudi Arabia’s strict laws on alcohol are part of its broader cultural and legal framework, and officials have stressed that visitors will be expected to respect these regulations.

“Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”

Despite the ban, the Kingdom remains confident that it can host a successful, world-class tournament that welcomes fans from across the globe. FIFA officially confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host nation in December 2023, with the country securing uncontested rights to the tournament.

LGBTQ+ Rights & Inclusion Concerns

Beyond the alcohol ban, there are additional concerns regarding LGBTQ+ rights in Saudi Arabia. Same-sex relations are illegal, and being transgender is not recognised under Saudi law. However, Prince Khalid emphasised that all visitors will be welcomed to the country for the World Cup.

“It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event, and we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”

While this statement signals an intention to create an inclusive environment, human rights groups and LGBTQ+ organisations have expressed concerns about the safety of fans and players who may face legal or social risks under Saudi law.

Will the Ban Be Lifted Before 2034?

With nine years until the tournament, some speculate that Saudi Arabia may revise its alcohol policy, particularly given the last-minute changes seen in Qatar’s 2022 World Cup. However, as of now, the Saudi government has given no indication that its stance will change.

Football fans planning to attend will need to prepare for a completely dry tournament, respecting the local laws to avoid harsh penalties.

As preparations for the 2034 World Cup unfold, FIFA and Saudi officials will continue working to balance cultural expectations with the international nature of the event—but for now, fans will need to leave the pints at home.

Would you still attend the 2034 World Cup without alcohol, or do you think FIFA should push for policy changes? Let us know your thoughts!

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