Concerns Over Heat Affecting 2026 World Cup Kick-off Times

Temperatures in New Jersey soared to 38°C during the recent Club World Cup final, where Chelsea triumphed over Paris St-Germain.

Reece James, an England defender, is urging FIFA to consider altering kick-off times for next year’s World Cup to help players cope with potentially oppressive summer heat. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11, raising concerns about the extreme conditions teams may encounter.

James, 25, captained Chelsea to victory in the Club World Cup held in the U.S. this summer, where the competition faced scrutiny due to severe heat. His teammate, Enzo Fernandez, reported feeling “dizzy” while competing in what he described as “very dangerous” weather.

“Playing in such heat is incredibly challenging, especially for us accustomed to English weather, which is nothing like this,” James remarked.

Research from Queen’s University Belfast reveals that temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums designated for the 2026 World Cup could reach perilous levels during the tournament.

During Chelsea’s training sessions this summer, Philadelphia, one of the U.S. host cities, experienced a severe heat warning, with temperatures hitting 37°C, but the humidity made it feel closer to 45°C.

James’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, noted that later kick-offs would be beneficial, stating, “For sure, that would definitely help. Playing in the cooler, less humid conditions is crucial.”

To prepare for the tournament, England plans a warm-weather training camp in Florida to acclimatize, alongside developing a “heat-proof” game plan, according to assistant coach Anthony Barry.

When asked if FIFA had sought his input on kick-off times following the Club World Cup, James responded, “No, I haven’t been asked for my thoughts on that. I’m sure they’ve consulted others, perhaps managers or club officials, but I haven’t been approached.”

FIFA is expected to schedule matches involving major European nations after midnight UK time to mitigate heat concerns. Anticipated kick-off times may resemble those at the Club World Cup, where matches commenced at 17:00 BST, with later games at 20:00, 23:00, and 02:00.

“The moment you step outside the hotel, the heat is palpable. The conditions are extremely hot,” James continued. “Adaptation takes time; the longer you stay in one place, the easier it becomes. Limitations can be managed. The pitches we played on weren’t ideal either, which added to the challenge. Let’s hope conditions improve by the time the World Cup arrives.”

England’s next matches include a face-off against Serbia at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, followed by an away game in Albania on Sunday.