Mega tournament in high heat
FIFA rethinks World Cup plans in the USA
14.07.2025 – 10:33 a.m.Reading time: 2 min.
The great heat was a problem for many players at the club World Cup. That will also be the case in the World Cup in a year. FIFA is considering solutions.
The club World Cup in the USA was a physical challenge for many players-not only because of the opponents, but also because of the conditions on the pitch. The midday heat in particular caused major problems with several games. Now the World Football Association is reacting.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke of important findings after the tournament in the United States. One topic has clearly come into focus: the extreme heat. With a view to the upcoming World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico from June 11th to July 19th, 2026, Infantino announced that they wanted to use more specificly covered stadiums – especially at earlier kick -off times. In the coming year, the World Cup will take place for the first time with 48 national teams and 104 games.
Several players and coaches had expressed significant criticism during the club World Cup. The early kick -off time – partly at 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. local time – and open stadiums ensured a high level of stress. Bayern professional Leon Goretzka spoke of an extremely exhausting experience. The conditions with great heat and high humidity were challenging.
The only bright spot: Both FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund each competed in the air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. According to players, the situation was optimal there.
After the quarter-finals against Real Madrid, BVB coach Niko Kovač criticized the framework conditions in the New York final stadium. A very important point for him is the kick -off time. He thinks it is borderline to suspend players of the midday sun, while no one voluntarily leaves the house outside. Kovač demanded more consideration for the actors.
For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA apparently plans to play four different kick -off times per match day. However, games of the German national team are unlikely in the evenings. Because the TV channels that have paid a lot of money for the transfer rights want to show the DFB team in German Primetime if possible-and not in the middle of the night.