Football fans attending the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia won’t be able to enjoy alcohol at stadiums, as beer sales are strictly banned under the country’s laws. Saudi Arabia’s regulations on alcohol are some of the strictest in the world, and this prohibition will extend to fan zones and hotels as well, leaving visitors with very limited options.
While some access to alcohol exists for diplomats in private settings, ordinary fans should not expect any changes to these restrictions during the tournament. FIFA, which organizes the World Cup, has stated that it will not pressure Saudi authorities to relax their alcohol laws, especially after the controversy over beer restrictions at Qatar’s World Cup in 2022.
FIFA also faces a challenging situation with its sponsors. Companies like Budweiser, which heavily promote beer, are major supporters of the tournament, but FIFA’s financial ties with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Aramco appear to outweigh any sponsor concerns. Saudi Arabia’s financial backing plays a critical role in FIFA’s operations, making it unlikely that the organization will take a stand on this issue.
The 2034 World Cup is already shaping up to be a unique event, with strict local laws creating a very different experience for international fans compared to previous tournaments.
