Overview
- Gianni Infantino told reporters at the ECA General Assembly that FIFA is reviewing the global calendar and discussing options with stakeholders, with no final decision yet.
- Reports indicate the tournament could be staged in early 2035 as the November–December 2034 window overlaps with Ramadan in the host nation.
- Extreme heat makes a traditional June–July World Cup in Saudi Arabia unlikely, reinforcing consideration of a winter schedule.
- A January 2035 start could clash with the biennial Handball World Championship, which is being assessed in ongoing consultations.
- The review forms part of wider calendar planning beyond 2030, and separate talks on 2026 kickoff times highlight FIFA’s emphasis on player welfare in hot conditions.