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 summer months in the northern hemisphere is becoming increasingly dangerous for the health of players and spectators. This is why the possibility of moving the tournament to the winter months or to colder regions is increasingly mentioned.
“As the decade progresses, the risks will increase unless drastic measures are taken, such as playing during the winter or in colder latitudes,” warned Professor Piers Forster of the University of Leeds.
Summer World Cup dates have been a tradition since 1930, but since then the average global temperature during June, July and August has increased by 1.05 degrees Celsius, while summers in Europe have become as much as 1.81 degrees warmer, according to data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Despite FIFA’s adjusted measures, including additional refreshment breaks, more water availability and fans next to the benches, some players, such as Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandes, have complained of feeling fatigued and disoriented due to the high temperatures, urging FIFA to avoid daytime dates for the 2026 World Cup.
The professional footballers’ union (FIFPRO) has warned that six of the 16 host cities next year are at “extreme risk” of heat stress.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said that daytime matches in 2026 will only be held in stadiums with roofs and air conditioning.
Even greater challenges are expected in 2030, when Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host the tournament, countries that have already experienced temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius this summer. Despite this, FIFA stated in its official assessment of the bid that the weather conditions are unlikely to affect the health of the participants.
However, experts warn that physical exertion during matches in direct sunlight is potentially dangerous.
“In such conditions, hyperthermia occurs, an increase in body temperature, which can lead to cramps, exhaustion and even heat stroke,” said Professor Julien Perrier of the University of Canberra.
Unlike other sports, football rarely uses morning slots, as schedules are often aligned with European television audiences. And as the number of participating teams increases from 32 to 48 from 2026, it will be even harder to avoid matches in the daytime heat.
The only previous move was in 2022 in Qatar, when the tournament was played in November and December to avoid the summer heat. A similar move is expected for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
However, any change in dates creates conflict with European football leagues, as it would mean the interruption of domestic championships and the Champions League.
Climate change is already having a 28 percent greater impact on athletes and recreational players today than in the 1990s, warned Professor Ollie Jay of the University of Sydney.
“This is symbolic of something much bigger. It is not just a risk and inconvenience for players and fans, but a fundamental threat to the way of life as we know it,” concluded Professor Michael Mann of the University of Pennsylvania.
