Football Faces A Scorching Future: 2026 FIFA World Cup Set To Be Most Disastrous On Climate

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 15:55 IST

The FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. highlighted extreme heat risks for players and fans, prompting calls to rethink the football calendar. Concerns remain for the 2026 World Cup.

Jude Bellingham at the Club World Cup at the United States (X)

Football recently faced intense heat at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States—a scorching preview of what players and fans might experience when the U.S. co-hosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada.

As global temperatures rise, scientists warn that hosting major football tournaments during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer is increasingly hazardous for players and spectators.

Some experts argue that FIFA should consider reshaping the football calendar to mitigate the growing threat of heat-related illnesses.

A Tradition in the Heat

Hosting the football tournament in June and July has been a tradition since the inaugural World Cup in 1930.

Since then, global temperatures during the June–August period have risen by 1.05°C (1.89°F), according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Climate scientists stress that such trends must be considered when planning high-intensity sports like football.

FIFA Adapts

Extreme heat and thunderstorms noticeably impacted FIFA’s newly expanded Club World Cup, held across 11 U.S. cities from June 14 to July 13.

In response, FIFA adjusted its extreme heat protocol—introducing additional breaks, increasing water availability on the sidelines, and equipping benches with shade and air fans.

Despite these measures, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández said the heat left him dizzy and urged FIFA to avoid scheduling afternoon matches at next year’s World Cup.

The global footballers’ union, FIFPRO, has indicated that six of the 16 host cities for 2026 are at “extremely high risk" for heat stress.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed these concerns on Saturday, stating that the few World Cup stadiums with roof coverings would be reserved for daytime matches next year.

A Need to Rethink the Calendar

Heat poses the greatest challenge when the World Cup is hosted in the Northern Hemisphere, where June and July coincide with peak summer.

FIFA has historically adhered to this schedule, with the notable exception of 2022, when the tournament was moved to November–December to avoid the brutal summer heat of Qatar. A similar shift is expected for the 2034 World Cup, set to be hosted by neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

However, rescheduling the tournament disrupts the calendar of powerful European football leagues, interfering with domestic competitions and the UEFA Champions League.

(with AP inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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