FIFA Urged to Move World Cup Final to Morning

Intense summer conditions gripping parts of the U.S. during this year’s Club World Cup have led an academic expert to call on FIFA to consider holding the 2026 men’s World Cup final at 9am local time.

Professor Mike Tipton, an environmental physiologist at the University of Portsmouth who advises Team GB athletes, told BBC Sport that if temperatures next year mirror current extremes, early morning kick-offs could be the safest option. “From a thermal-physiological perspective, for both health and performance reasons, I’d be looking to start games as early as possible,” he said. “If you continue in conditions when all the rational scientific data says ‘stop’, organisers are taking on a fair amount of responsibility.”

The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, set to host eight matches — including the final — has no roof and limited shade. In late June, temperatures in nearby New York reached 39°C.

At present, FIFA has not confirmed kick-off times for 2026 fixtures, though sources told the BBC that matches on the U.S. east coast will likely begin at noon, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. European broadcast slots are a major influence on scheduling decisions.

As the players’ union Fifpro warns of “increasing concern” over extreme heat, it is advocating that health and safety outweigh commercial demands. “From a health and safety perspective this is something that must take priority over commercial interests,” said Fifpro’s policy lead, Alexander Bielefeld.

The union believes matches should be rescheduled once the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) — which combines heat and humidity — exceeds 32°C. FIFA currently mandates short water breaks at that point. Fifpro instead recommends delaying matches entirely at that threshold, and starting cooling measures once WBGT hits 28°C.

Chelsea’s recent Club World Cup match in Philadelphia was played under a heat index of 45°C due to the combination of 37°C heat and 45% humidity. “It was impossible,” said manager Enzo Maresca of training in such conditions.

Extreme weather has also forced match suspensions. Six games at the Club World Cup were halted mid-play due to thunderstorms. In Charlotte, Maresca’s Chelsea side had their match paused for two hours. He later questioned whether the U.S. was the ideal host.

Only five of the 16 stadiums picked for 2026 have roofs. Queen’s University Belfast researchers warned earlier this year that 14 of those venues could record temperatures at potentially unsafe levels for both players and fans. Matches hosted in the likes of Miami, Dallas, Monterrey and Kansas City were flagged as especially risky if played in the afternoon.

BBC weather forecaster Simon King outlined that climate change is heightening the chances of extreme weather. Comparing 2026 to previous tournaments, he noted, “In 1994, temperatures in Florida and Texas exceeded 38°C. Qatar’s summer saw 40-45°C. During the recent US heatwave, the heat index in New York felt closer to 50°C.”

FIFA insists that protecting players, officials, and fans remains a “top priority.” The federation is working with medical teams and will include built-in water breaks, allow five substitutions with a sixth in extra-time, recommend empty one-litre bottles, and share heat safety guidance with supporters.

FIFA also highlighted that its expanded 48-team tournament will see each squad given a minimum of three days between matches.

Despite the governing body’s reassurances, scrutiny over its scheduling and venue choices is expected to rise — especially as weather continues to alter the playing field.