Impact of Climate Change on World Cup Scheduling: Risks for Players and Fans

As the global climate crisis intensifies, the scheduling of major international sporting events like the FIFA World Cup faces unprecedented challenges. Soccer, a sport traditionally held during the summer months of June and July, is now under scrutiny due to rising temperatures and increasing instances of extreme heat. This article analyzes the implications of climate change on the World Cup calendar, highlighting the potential risks for both athletes and fans.

Historically, the World Cup has been staged in the summer, a practice dating back to its inception in 1930. However, climate data from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates that global temperatures during the summer months have increased by an average of 1.05 degrees Celsius (1.89 degrees Fahrenheit) since the early 20th century. In Europe, the rise is even more pronounced, with summer temperatures escalating by 1.81 degrees Celsius, particularly since the 1990s. As a result, scientists and experts warn that the existing schedule may no longer be tenable for ensuring the safety of participants and spectators.

Professor Piers Forster, the Director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures at the University of Leeds, expresses deep concern regarding the future of summer tournaments. He states, "The deeper we go into the decade, the greater the risk without considering more dramatic measures, such as playing in the winter months and/or cooler latitudes." This sentiment is echoed by climatologist Friederike Otto from Imperial College London, who advises that high-intensity sports like soccer should be played during cooler times of the day to mitigate the risks of heat-related illnesses.

The recent FIFA Club World Cup, held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, exemplifies these concerns. Players experienced extreme heat conditions, leading to dizziness and other health issues, prompting calls for FIFA to reconsider the timing of its matches. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández noted the adverse effects of heat during these games, reflecting a broader sentiment among players regarding the need for more appropriate scheduling.

Furthermore, the global soccer players' union, FIFPRO, has identified six out of the sixteen World Cup cities for the 2026 tournament as being at “extremely high risk” for heat stress. FIFA's response has been to adapt its protocols, which now include additional breaks, increased availability of water, and shaded cooling areas for players. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a topic of debate among health professionals.

Julien Périard, a researcher at the University of Canberra, highlights the severe consequences of playing in extreme heat, stating, "When players experience hyperthermia, they also experience an increase in cardiovascular strain." He warns that excessive core temperatures can lead to dangerous conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The issue of scheduling is further complicated by the need to accommodate Europe’s powerful soccer leagues, which would require significant adjustments to their seasons if FIFA were to move the tournament to a different time of year. This was demonstrated in 2022 when the World Cup was shifted to November and December to avoid Qatar's oppressive summer heat.

As the world continues to warm, the likelihood of extreme heat events increases, posing not just a risk to athletes but also to the integrity of the sport itself. Ollie Jay, a professor at the University of Sydney, notes that athletes today are exposed to 28% more moderate or high heat risk compared to the 1990s, underscoring the urgency of adapting to climate realities. Michael Mann, a climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, argues that the challenges posed by climate change extend beyond sports, fundamentally disrupting our way of life.

In conclusion, as the 2026 World Cup approaches, the discourse surrounding the timing and scheduling of matches is expected to intensify. Stakeholders must weigh the tradition of summer tournaments against the pressing need for athlete and fan safety in an era of climate uncertainty. The future of the World Cup, and potentially other outdoor sports, may hinge on how effectively governing bodies like FIFA respond to these changing environmental conditions.