Next year’s World Cup will look dramatically different from previous tournaments, with FIFA opting to effectively do away with traditional 45-minute halves. The tournament will be held in Canada, the United States and Mexico, so organizers will need to devise solutions to the intense heat expected at many venues.
Problems caused by abnormal weather have become increasingly serious in North America in recent years, with wildfires and rising temperatures and humidity regularly affecting sports facilities. The Club World Cup was held in the United States in the summer as a prelude to the World Cup, but welfare issues were an issue. Players reported feeling dizzy during the match, but the intense heat at many World Cup venues left managers with no choice but to hold minimal training sessions.
Some have suggested changing kick-off times or using more protected stadiums to avoid peak temperatures, but FIFA has now unveiled an alternative approach.
At next summer’s World Cup, there will be a mandatory three-minute “hydration break” during the first half of each match.
This means the 45-minute halves that supporters were accustomed to will be nullified and a new interval will be mandatory, regardless of whether temperatures are deemed too high.
Cooling breaks have been introduced in various tournaments in the past, but only when temperatures reached a certain threshold.
However, this protocol will change for the World Cup, meaning games will be paused 22 minutes into each half, regardless of weather.
This essentially means that the game is divided into quarters, similar to a basketball or American football game.
FIFA said the sweeping decision was taken following consultations after last weekend’s draw and was aimed at ensuring uniform playing conditions for all matches.
But the move is bound to be controversial, as critics may argue it provides marketers with additional advertising space.
Additionally, a three-minute hydration break is unlikely to satisfy international players’ association FIFPRO, which had advocated for shorter and more frequent cooling breaks during hot matches.
FIFA made adjustments to the schedule after problems arose during the summer’s Club World Cup, which started at 3pm local time in the heatwave.
Most games in New Jersey, Philadelphia, Miami, Kansas City and Monterrey kick off in the evening, but most afternoon games are held in air-conditioned or covered stadiums or in cities with cooler climates.
However, despite these mitigation measures, FIFA’s decision-making regarding the tournament continues to attract criticism.
Activists have raised concerns about FIFA’s partnership with Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco, while others say the expanded number of participating teams to 48 and the vast distances between venues will make this World Cup the most environmentally destructive tournament ever.
Fossil Free Football’s Peter Crisp said: “The 2026 World Cup will be a turning point in any case, as it becomes clear that the hotter than ever summer is destroying football’s traditional tournament model.”
“Athletes exhausted from flying thousands of miles between games will struggle in the heat, surrounded by Aramco oil advertisements.”
