Heatwave Threat Forces Rethink on World Cup Schedule

Extreme weather conditions during this summer's Club World Cup in the United States have prompted experts to suggest FIFA consider scheduling the 2026 Men's World Cup final for 9am. Professor Mike Tipton, a leading specialist in extreme temperature effects from Portsmouth University, shared his insights with BBC Sport regarding how football's governing body should address potential heatwaves during next year's tournament.

The Heat Challenge

The recent Club World Cup matches in the US exposed players to brutal conditions, highlighting potential risks for FIFA's 2026 tournament which will return to North America during the same season. Last week's major heatwave in eastern North America saw dozens hospitalized with heat-related illnesses, including record-breaking 39°C temperatures in New York on June 24.

Venue Concerns

MetLife Stadium near New York, scheduled to host eight matches including the final, lacks both roof coverage and adequate shade - a common issue across most 2026 World Cup venues in the US, Canada, and Mexico. While official kickoff times won't be announced until after December's draw, insiders suggest eastern time zone matches will likely start at noon, 3pm, 6pm, or 9pm local time to accommodate European audiences and broadcaster interests.

Expert Recommendations

Professor Tipton, who works with Team GB athletes including triathlete Jonny Brownlee (who suffered heat exhaustion in Mexico in 2016), advocates for morning matches as the safest solution:

• "From a thermal-physiological perspective, I'd start games as early as possible"
• "The health risks extend beyond players to officials and spectators"
• "FIFA should reconsider where, when and how they play these matches"

Player Safety Concerns

FIFPRO has called for more flexible approaches after what they term the Club World Cup "wake-up call." Their medical director Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge suggests:

• 20-minute extended halftime breaks in extreme heat
• Implementing cooling breaks when Wet Bulb Globe Temperature exceeds 28°C
• Postponing matches when WBGT surpasses 32°C

Venue Risk Assessment

Research from Queen's University Belfast warns that 14 of 16 World Cup venues could reach dangerous temperatures, with particular concerns about:

• High-risk venues: Miami, Monterrey (no air conditioning), Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Kansas City
• Low-risk venues: Only San Francisco and Vancouver

The Scheduling Dilemma

With 104 matches scheduled - more than any previous World Cup - FIFA faces significant challenges in adapting schedules. As FIFPRO General Secretary Alex Phillips notes: "We can only use informal pressure and common sense arguments, like MLS protocols that avoid midday matches in Florida."

The debate continues between player safety concerns and the commercial realities of global football's biggest tournament, with all parties recognizing the need for difficult conversations about heat management strategies.