‘FIFA should consider playing Club World Cup final at 9am’
3 min read
‘FIFA should consider playing Club World Cup final at 9am’
Extreme Weather Sparks Debate Over Kickoff Times at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Following dangerous heat conditions at this year’s Club World Cup in the U.S., experts and player advocates are urging FIFA to rethink kickoff times for the 2026 World Cup. Among the proposals is the radical suggestion of playing the final match as early as 9 a.m. to protect players, officials, and spectators.
Heatwave Raises Concerns for 2026 Tournament
In June, a record-breaking heatwave swept across eastern North America. Temperatures in New York hit 39°C, triggering health emergencies. The MetLife Stadium, which will host the 2026 World Cup final, lacks a roof or significant shade—raising red flags about the tournament’s safety under extreme summer conditions.
Expert Recommends Early Morning Matches
Professor Mike Tipton, a renowned expert on human performance in extreme heat, said FIFA should consider morning kickoffs if similar conditions occur. Tipton, who consults for Team GB athletes, explained that early starts offer the best performance and safety outcomes under heat stress. He added, “If you ignore science, you’re accepting enormous responsibility.”
Rising Temperatures Could Lead to Match Format Changes
Tipton warned that in extreme cases, FIFA might need to alter the match format, such as replacing halves with quarters, to allow for more breaks. The issue is more than just about players—spectators and officials are also at risk, especially given their limited physical conditioning.
Players’ Union Calls for Flexible Scheduling
Fifpro, the global players’ union, described the situation as a “wake-up call.” Medical director Dr Vincent Gouttebarge recommended longer breaks during play and possibly delaying matches if temperatures exceed safe thresholds. The union wants health and safety to outweigh commercial considerations.
FIFA’s Current Heat Guidelines Under Fire
FIFA currently mandates cooling breaks when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 32°C. Fifpro believes this threshold is too high, calling for cooling breaks at 28°C and match delays above 32°C. Under these rules, recent Club World Cup games—like PSG vs. Atletico Madrid—should have been postponed.
Players Felt the Heat During Club World Cup
Managers and players have spoken out. Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca said extreme heat made normal training “impossible” in Philadelphia. Borussia Dortmund’s substitutes stayed in the dressing room for the first half of their match in Cincinnati. One even compared the conditions to a sauna.
Stadium Conditions Vary Greatly Across Host Cities
Research from Queen’s University Belfast showed that 14 of the 16 World Cup stadiums could see dangerously high temperatures. Miami and Monterrey were rated highest risk, with no air-conditioned stadiums. Only San Francisco and Vancouver were labeled low-risk by Fifpro.
Heat is Not the Only Threat—Storm Delays Are Increasing
This summer’s Club World Cup saw six matches delayed by thunderstorms, sparking criticism over venue selection. Matches in Charlotte and elsewhere were postponed for up to two hours, highlighting the growing risk of storm disruptions during peak summer months in the U.S.
FIFA Faces Environmental and Logistical Challenges
FIFA has faced criticism for its environmental impact and its decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams. Though it promises to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2040, critics say hosting summer tournaments in vulnerable regions contradicts these goals.
Precautionary Measures Already in Place
In a statement, FIFA emphasized that health and safety are top priorities. Measures for next year include mandatory cooling breaks, five substitutions, and allowing fans to bring refillable bottles. Rest days between matches are also intended to help players recover in extreme heat.
Calls for Change Continue as Climate Risks Grow
Experts like BBC weather forecaster Simon King predict even hotter tournaments in the future. Climate change, he warns, has “loaded the dice” toward more frequent and intense heatwaves. Without adaptive scheduling, future World Cups could become health hazards for everyone involved.
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