The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held across various locations in the United States, has been marked by extreme heat conditions, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in some venues. This intense heat has posed serious challenges for players, coaches, and fans, leading to calls for changes in match scheduling and player safety protocols. The global footballers' union, FIFPro, representing over 70,000 professional players, has urged FIFA to reconsider midday and afternoon kick-off times, particularly at three venues deemed to be at extremely high risk for heat-related issues during the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. FIFPro has also recommended extending half-time breaks and increasing the number of hydration breaks to mitigate the effects of the heat. Some experts have suggested starting the 2026 World Cup final as early as 9 a.m. local time to avoid the hottest periods of the day. The extreme weather experienced during the Club World Cup is seen as a warning sign amid growing concerns about climate change's impact on scheduling major sporting events. Scientists and climate experts have highlighted the need for FIFA to rethink the World Cup calendar to prevent heat-related illnesses among players and spectators, especially given the tournament's traditional scheduling during the Northern Hemisphere summer. The heatwave and associated weather disruptions, including thunderstorms, have sparked debates about the feasibility of current match timings and the logistical challenges posed by the expanded format of the 2026 World Cup. The situation has prompted FIFA to consider implementing more drastic measures to protect participants and audiences, emphasizing the urgency of adapting to climate risks in global football events.
How climate change could force FIFA to rethink the World Cup calendar https://t.co/gCoUsnasT5 https://t.co/5NP7jSvSe1
FIFA faces heat challenge as climate risks rise ahead of 2026 World Cup https://t.co/IyshCJUf54
Soccer had a fierce reckoning with heat at the recently concluded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States — a sweltering preview of what players and fans may face when the U.S. co-hosts the World Cup with Mexico and Canada next summer. https://t.co/06oQNkqHXh