Fans attending the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia will not be able to purchase alcohol, the country’s ambassador to the UK has confirmed. In an interview on LBC, Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, the Saudi ambassador, stated that Saudi Arabia, known for its strict prohibition of alcohol, will not make exceptions for the global event.
Unlike the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where alcohol was banned from stadiums but available in select hotels and other venues, Saudi Arabia has a complete alcohol ban in place. The penalties for alcohol consumption in the kingdom are severe, with offenders facing imprisonment, flogging, and deportation.
Prince Khalid explained that the country maintains its no-alcohol policy due to its cultural and religious beliefs. He emphasized that while visitors can enjoy the tournament without alcohol, those wishing to drink could do so once they leave the country. “At the moment we don’t allow alcohol, but you know, plenty of fun can be had without alcohol. It’s not 100 percent necessary,” he said. “Everyone has their own culture, and we’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture, but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”
The confirmation puts to rest any lingering uncertainty for FIFA’s beer sponsors and sets the stage for a unique World Cup experience, differing from the more relaxed policies seen in previous host nations.
This announcement follows the controversy surrounding Qatar’s last-minute alcohol ban at the 2022 World Cup. Just days before the tournament started, Qatari authorities unexpectedly prohibited alcohol sales in and around stadiums, forcing long-time sponsor Budweiser to adjust its plans. The company was only allowed to sell alcohol-free beer at the stadium, causing widespread frustration and confusion.
With Saudi Arabia confirming its stance early, FIFA and its partners now have a clear understanding of the country’s rules regarding alcohol, ensuring there will be no last-minute surprises ahead of the 2034 tournament.
