US EditionHow Climate Change Could Force FIFA to Rethink the World Cup Calendar
UNITED STATES, JUL 15 – FIFA will use covered stadiums for daytime matches and implement hydration breaks as heat risks rise 28% since the 1990s, affecting players and fans equally.
- FIFA held the 2022 men's World Cup in Qatar from November to December to avoid dangerous summer heat conditions.
- This date change responded to rising global temperatures and health risks linked to climate change disrupting traditional June-July scheduling.
- Experts warn six of 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup face extremely high heat stress risks, prompting calls to limit daytime matches.
- Professor Ollie Jay stated athletes face 28% more moderate or higher heat risk now than in the 1990s, while Enzo Fernández said, “the heat made him dizzy.”
- Rising heat and scheduling challenges are likely to pressure FIFA to further adjust the World Cup calendar, including possible winter tournaments in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
42 Articles
42 Articles
How climate change could force FIFA to rethink World Cup calendar
Some scientists suggest FIFA may have to consider adjusting the soccer calendar to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. "I'm increasingly worried we are only one heat wave away from a sporting tragedy," says Prof. Piers Forster, director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures.
FIFA Says It Will Use Roofed Stadiums to Beat 2026 Heat—But Levi’s Stadium Isn’t One of Them
By Robert Haugh A few days ago, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the 2026 Men’s World Cup will schedule daytime matches in stadiums with roofs. The reason? Rising concerns about extreme heat and weather delays. But Levi’s Stadium, set to host World Cup games in Santa Clara, has no roof. And no real protection from the sun. “We have stadiums with roofs and we will definitely use these stadiums during the day next year,” Infantino said this we…
This article was first published on Cedarnews.net. For more news and exclusive reports, visit our website. Getty ImagesBoca Juniors' Carlos Palacios uses a water cannon on the pitch to cool off during his team's match against Auckland City at the Club World Cup. "The heat, in particular, should be a wake-up call," FIFPro warned of the conditions surrounding the Club World Cup in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament. This article…
FIFA under Pressure due to Climate Change, Summer World Cup dates increasingly Dangerous
The recently concluded FIFA Club World Cup, held in the United States of America (USA), brought a serious challenge to extreme heat, which is a warning of what footballers and fans can expect next summer, when the USA, Mexico and Canada will host the World Cup. Climate experts warn that organizing major football competitions during […] The post FIFA under Pressure due to Climate Change, Summer World Cup dates increasingly Dangerous appeared firs…
After the harsh reviews received during the Club World Cup 2025 due to the high temperatures that affected the performance of the players and the experience of the fans, FIFA has announced that it is studying a series of measures to fight the heat in the upcoming World Cup 2026, which will be held in Mexico, the United States and Canada. You may be interested: America could sign Barcelona jewel for the Opening 2025 Interview of Turk Mohamed with…
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