As planning intensifies for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico, kick-off times are becoming a growing point of contention. FIFA officials are expected to schedule matches involving Europe’s leading nations after midnight UK time, in a bid to protect players from the extreme heat that plagued this summer’s Club World Cup.
During that tournament in the United States, players and managers repeatedly raised concerns about soaring pitch-side temperatures. Matches in Los Angeles, played under blistering midday sun, saw Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique lament the near-40 degree heat, while Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández admitted to dizziness during play.
Victor Montagliani, president of CONCACAF and a FIFA vice-president, confirmed in London this week that kick-off times are under active review. Asked what the main lesson was from the Club World Cup, he replied bluntly: “Kick-off times.”
Heat vs. Broadcasters
Originally, the expectation was that the World Cup schedule would mimic the Club World Cup, with games beginning at 17:00, 20:00, 23:00 and 02:00 BST. That would have allowed evening kick-offs for European broadcasters. However, FIFA now recognises that afternoon local times in North America can be dangerously hot for players.
While five of the 16 stadiums due to host World Cup matches have retractable roofs, it is not feasible for FIFA to schedule every early game in them. This creates a logistical challenge across the 11 consecutive group-stage days that feature four games each.
Montagliani noted that the governing body is in “daily conversations” with broadcasters in Europe and beyond, as they seek to balance player safety with global TV demands. “Will it be that every game will be absolutely perfect from a kick-off time, from a TV perspective? I don’t know,” he admitted.
European Fans Face Late Nights
The shift means supporters in Europe may have to get used to watching some of the most high-profile matches well past midnight. While not unprecedented—World Cups in Asia and South America have produced awkward hours for viewers—there will likely be pressure from UEFA broadcasters to avoid clashes with the Champions League and domestic schedules.
Nonetheless, the trade-off appears unavoidable if FIFA is serious about shielding players from extreme conditions. The organisation has been urged to consider even earlier morning games, with some analysts suggesting that a 9am local kick-off for the final itself might be the safest option.
Trump Factor Dismissed
Montagliani also downplayed political noise around the tournament. Asked about US President Donald Trump’s recent claim that he might relocate games away from cities he labelled “unsafe,” the CONCACAF chief was dismissive: “It’s FIFA’s tournament. They make the decisions. It’s their jurisdiction. With all due respect to current world leaders, football is bigger than them.”
Club World Cup Expansion
Away from World Cup logistics, Montagliani also raised the prospect of expanding the Club World Cup in 2029 beyond its current 32-team limit. This summer’s edition featured Chelsea and Manchester City as England’s representatives, with Liverpool missing out despite their domestic title win. Barcelona, champions of Spain, were similarly absent.
A cap of two teams per country has been enforced to ensure global balance, but Montagliani hinted this may not last. “I’m in favour of renewing it all, maybe in terms of expansion,” he said. “I don’t know what the next number would be. 48 I suppose. But is it feasible? Who gets them?”
If FIFA does lift the two-club cap, Premier League fans may see three English sides qualify for the Club World Cup, reflecting the league’s dominance in Europe.
The Bigger Picture
The immediate issue, however, is timing. For FIFA, staging a 48-team World Cup across three vast nations poses challenges unprecedented in football history. Heat, travel and television slots all collide in a tournament that will stretch logistical limits.
The likeliest compromise is late-night European viewing, with players shielded from the most dangerous hours of North American summer sun. Fans may grumble at the timing, but FIFA’s stance is clear: health and safety must come first.
