Politico: 2034 World Cup could be postponed to 2035

The 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia could be postponed until 2035 to avoid clashing with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and extreme summer heat, according to Politico.

The report said, in 2034, Ramadan is expected to begin around November 12 and end on December 12, while the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which draws around two million Muslims to Saudi Arabia, is scheduled for early March.

It also noted that January and February 2034 may be unsuitable because the Winter Olympics will be taking place in Salt Lake City, potentially diverting public attention and sponsorship spending.

Politico suggested that, under these circumstances, the World Cup could instead be held in early 2035.

It stressed, however, that FIFA has not indicated it is considering such a move, although the scenario cannot be ruled out.

The FIFA World Cup is traditionally held in the summer, but the 2022 tournament in Qatar was moved to November and December because of the country's extreme heat.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov