Saudi envoy says alcohol won’t be allowed at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia will not allow the sale and consumption of alcohol at the 2034 FIFA World Cup. 

In a chat with Leading Britain’s Conversation (LBC) radio, Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, Saudi’s ambassador to the UK, said there would be no tolerance for alcohol during the tournament — including in hotels, restaurants and stadiums.

He said alcohol is largely prohibited in Saudi, and “we’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture”.

“At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol,” the ambassador said.

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

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

Saudi has strict laws against alcohol consumption, punishable by hundreds of lashes, deportation, fines, or imprisonment.

In 2024, the country unveiled plans to open its first liquor store that would be “strictly restricted” to non-Muslims.

Saudi will not be the first FIFA World Cup host to control alcohol consumption during the competition. At the 2022 World Cup, Qatar prohibited fan’s alcohol usage at stadiums and limited its reverie to “FIFA fan festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues.”

Saudi Arabia was confirmed to host the 2034 World Cup in December 2024. The country submitted the sole bid for the competition.