World Cup-bound Norway player backs calls for improved heat protocols from FIFA
Players and health experts say FIFA’s current 3-minute breaks are too short and want 6-minute cooling breaks plus better sideline cooling.
- Current and former soccer players representing over 20 countries sent an open letter to FIFA, urging the organization to address heat stress threats during this year's World Cup games in North America.
- A World Weather Attribution report noted that "hazardous heat" could diminish players' play and risk their health, while health professionals warn of impaired performance and potentially fatal outcomes.
- Experts and players argue that FIFA's current 3-minute cooling breaks are insufficient; they demand doubling the cooling breaks and providing "aggressive pre-game and half-time cooling" resources in locker rooms.
- Beyond on-field protocols, players urged FIFA to address the global climate crisis by dropping fossil fuel-related sponsors and creating a "smaller, more regional football calendar" to reduce carbon footprint.
- The 2026 World Cup features 100 matches involving 48 teams across Canada, the United States, and Mexico over 39 days, an expanded format that critics argue significantly increases the organization's carbon footprint.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Associated Press News
World Cup-bound Norway player backs calls for improved heat protocols from FIFA
A Norway international likely headed to the World Cup is among a group of current or former soccer players who have written to FIFA backing calls for stronger heat protocols at the tournament.
A Norwegian international who probably contests the upcoming World Cup is among a group of current or retired footballers who support calls for FIFA to strengthen heat protocols in the tournament.
W/Cup Player Signs Petition Calling For Protection From Extreme Heat
Norway midfielder Morten Thorsby has warned that “everybody in football loses” if FIFA fails to do more to protect players from extreme heat at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Thorsby is among a group of current and former professional footballers who have written to football’s world governing body calling for stronger heat protocols ahead of the expanded tournament. The letter supports concerns raised by leading…
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