At the World Cup, matches could be played at night for European TV viewers - 2026 World Cup Braces for Extreme Heat: FIFA Considers Late Kick-offs
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA, is raising concerns about extreme heat. Players' union Fifpro has flagged six venues as high-risk, while coaches like Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann are discussing late kick-off times to combat the heatwave.
The Club World Cup recently held in Morocco served as a stark warning. High temperatures forced players to endure gruelling conditions. Now, attention turns to the 2026 World Cup, where temperatures are expected to soar during the knockout phase from June 11 to July 19. FIFA is considering later kick-off times to protect players, with some games potentially starting in the middle of the night for European fans.
Germany's national team could face these challenges. While group stage games are unlikely to be late, knockout phase matches might start later. Coach Julian Nagelsmann has backed later kick-off times, acknowledging the hot and humid conditions players may face. FIFA is also planning to use stadiums with roofs more frequently for early games to mitigate heat risks.
The 2026 World Cup is set to test players' endurance in extreme heat. FIFA is exploring later kick-off times and using roofed stadiums to ensure player safety. Germany's national team, led by Julian Nagelsmann, is prepared for these challenges, with potential late games in the knockout phase.
