Winter World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia Targets the Calendar, Not Just the Desert Sky

Winter World Cup: A New Chapter for Saudi 2034

FIFA president Gianni Infantino outlined the proposed timing for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, to be staged in Saudi Arabia, marking a historic expansion of major events beyond traditional hosts. The announcement signals a broader shift toward embracing different climates and calendars for football’s flagship tournament.

In a discussion reported by The Athletic, Infantino emphasized that football’s scheduling must become more open and flexible. He argued that the World Cup can’t always fit the conventional summer slot in every country, given climate realities and diverse hosting candidates. The takeaway: a calendar rethink may be necessary if the sport wants to keep growing globally.

The 2022 edition in Qatar served as a practical test of winter scheduling, moving the event to November and December to dodge extreme heat. That shift forced European leagues to pause mid season but allowed players to participate in peak condition. The model, Infantino suggested, could serve as a reference for future tournaments in hot regions like Saudi Arabia.

Officials have stressed that granting Saudi Arabia the 2034 hosting rights reflects strong confidence in the nation’s organizational capacity and its rapidly developing infrastructure. The tournament is still expected to be held in winter, with a possible shift to January 2035 to avoid Ramadan, which would fall between November and December 2034.

Infantino’s Calendar Vision Meets the Field on the Road to 2026

In December 2024, FIFA officially confirmed Saudi Arabia’s victory in the bid process, awarding the 2034 World Cup after the file achieved an unprecedented technical score of 419.8 out of 500. This record reflects not only the readiness of stadiums and facilities but also Saudi Arabia’s ambition to place itself at the forefront of global sports events.

Meanwhile, the national team’s road to the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, continued under French coach Hervé Renard. Saudi Arabia secured a hard‑fought 3-2 win over Indonesia in the playoff route, strengthening their position at the top of the group ahead of a decisive clash with Iraq. The victory keeps alive hopes of direct qualification to the World Cup finals in North America.

Renard had returned to lead the team about a year earlier, after Italian coach Roberto Mancini was dismissed following a downturn in results. The squad’s renewed discipline and fighting spirit have been evident as they push toward a new global stage.

On the Pitch: Kanno’s Suspension, Breikan’s Brilliance, and the Green Falcons’ Ambition

In the aftermath of the Indonesia win, Mohammed Kanno will miss the upcoming Iraq match after receiving a red card in stoppage time against Indonesia, following a double booking that followed an earlier sending off against China in September. Saudi media noted his disciplinary records in the qualifiers, underscoring the team’s need to balance intensity with composure.

Striker Firas Al-Breikan stole the spotlight in the Indonesia game, returning to his scoring form at exactly the right moment. After an 11-match drought spanning 867 minutes, he found the net twice—first from the spot in the 36th minute and then again in the 62nd—earning him five goals in the qualifiers and solidifying his status as the team’s leading marksman. The Saudi press recognized his performance as pivotal to maintaining their lead in the group and reinforcing confidence ahead of the Iraq clash.

Al-Breikan was named man of the match with a SofaScore rating of 9.2, reflecting his decisive role in turning the match in Saudi Arabia’s favor. Post‑game, he credited the team’s resolve and the support of the home crowd, noting that the unity and timing between teammates were essential to securing three valuable points. He also highlighted that the decision on who takes penalties rests with the coaching staff, and that on this occasion the choice worked to perfection with a trusted team dynamic fueling the win.

The win solidified Saudi Arabia’s position at the top of their group and fed optimism about a possible direct route to the 2026 World Cup, while the broader calendar questions around 2034 continue to be debated by officials, fans, and players alike. The coming months will determine how the team balances domestic competition with international responsibilities as they chase another stage of the world stage.

And yes, if the calendar starts looking like a thriller novel, remember: even a sniper would take extra time to line up a shot when the plot twists keep clockhands spinning. Here are two light lines to end on a similar note: Timing in football is everything; apparently, FIFA just invented a time machine for the schedule. If Ramadan and a winter World Cup collide again, at least the calendar will have a good alibi for the coffee breaks.