The final match of the FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled for July 13, may be played earlier than planned due to extreme weather conditions. High temperatures pose a serious health risk to players, prompting FIFA to consider rescheduling the match start time. This was reported by the Baltimore Chronicle.
Professor Mike Tipton of the University of Portsmouth, an expert in human responses to high temperatures, suggested moving the kickoff at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. local time. According to him, an earlier start would significantly reduce heat stress, as morning temperatures are notably lower.
The absence of roofs on most of the stadiums set to host matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico adds to the danger. MetLife Stadium is no exception, which intensifies the effect of heat on both players and fans.
Researchers from Queen’s University in Belfast had earlier noted that 14 out of the 16 stadiums selected for the 2026 World Cup may be exposed to dangerously high temperatures, especially since some of them lack air conditioning systems. Rescheduling the match to the morning remains the only viable solution, as FIFA has stated that changing the final date is not an option.
Earlier we wrote that England and Tuchel to challenge FIFA’s new 2026 World Cup rule.