FIFA Considers Adjusting Kick-off Times for World Cup
FIFA is evaluating the possibility of shifting some kick-off times for next summer’s World Cup to early morning hours UK time in order to mitigate the intense heat in North America that impacted the recent Club World Cup.
Scheduled Times and Concerns
The World Cup will take place across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with anticipated kick-off times of 5pm, 8pm, 11pm, and 2am BST. This schedule resembles the one implemented during this year’s Club World Cup.
Impact on Players and Broadcasters
Although the 5pm and 8pm kick-offs were favorable for European broadcasters, they posed challenges for players, as these matches often occurred during the hottest part of the American summer. A 5pm match would start at noon on the US East Coast, and an 8pm match would begin at noon on the West Coast.
Considerations for Scheduling
Fans in the UK may face very late nights, but CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani emphasized that the severe summer heat would be a key factor when arranging game schedules. There were several complaints from players and clubs during last summer’s Club World Cup about the conditions.
Learning from Past Experiences
Montagliani stated that FIFA would take lessons from the experiences reported during the Club World Cup. There are venues like Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles that could potentially host matches in air-conditioned environments, making afternoon kick-off times more feasible, but it remains a complex balancing act.
Political Statements and World Cup Decisions
Montagliani refrained from engaging with comments made by US President Donald Trump regarding relocating games from cities deemed “unsafe.” He asserted that decisions about host cities fall under FIFA’s jurisdiction, and political remarks should not sway operational choices.
World Cup Draw and Key Dates
The draw for the 2026 World Cup is set for December 5 in Washington, where President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino will establish the group stage fixtures. The complete fixture list will be available after the draw, with the opening match slated for Mexico City and the final to take place at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
