FIFA addresses excessive heat concerns during the Club World Cup
The 2022 World Cup tournament, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 in Mexico, Canada, and the USA, has highlighted concerns regarding extreme heat and sun conditions. Players and coaches from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, participating in the Club World Cup, have voiced their concerns about the intense conditions, particularly the kick-off times of 12:00 PM or 3:00 PM local time and completely open stadiums.
In response, FIFA is implementing specific adjustments for the 2026 World Cup to ensure player safety and spectator comfort. Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, has announced plans to utilize more covered stadiums for early games.
One of the key adjustments includes the increased use of covered, air-conditioned stadiums. Venues with covered structures and air conditioning, such as those in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Vancouver, will be prioritized for daytime matches. Matches at open-air stadiums, especially those in cities with extreme heat or humidity (e.g., Miami, Kansas City, Monterrey), are expected to be scheduled for late afternoon or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
The recent Club World Cup in the United States highlighted the dangers of extreme heat, with players like Enzo Fernandez describing conditions as "very dangerous" during matches played in temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F). FIFA is using these experiences to inform scheduling and venue selection.
In addition to Atlanta, stadiums in Vancouver, Dallas, and Los Angeles also have roofs. Other stadiums offer shaded areas on the pitch through covered stands. The German national team, including players like Leon Goretzka, has also expressed concerns about the intense heat and high humidity in the American summer.
Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac criticized exposing players to midday sun during games, stating it's too hot for a normal person to be outside. FIFA is considering adjustments for the schedule of the 2022 World Cup, which will feature 48 national teams and 104 games for the first time.
The Club World Cup, which ended on Sunday with Chelsea's final victory in the USA, featured 63 matches, many of which were played under extreme heat conditions. Kick-off times for the 2022 World Cup will include four options per matchday to accommodate the various climate conditions across the host countries.
These adjustments aim to ensure a fair and safe competition for all participants and spectators, and the 2026 World Cup is set to be a landmark event in addressing climate challenges in international football tournaments.
- The Commission has also been consulted on the matter, providing recommendations for the draft directive on the protection of the environment, as FIFA works to mitigate the effects of extreme heat during football matches in the 2026 World Cup.
- In parallel to the adjustments being made for player safety and spectator comfort, FIFA is demonstrating a commitment to environmental protection, seeking advice from various authorities to create a more sustainable World Cup tournament in 2026.
