Infantino Addresses Climate Concerns for the 2026 World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that stadiums with roofs will be used to mitigate problems related to high temperatures during the 2026 World Cup. The decision comes after criticism received for the players’ exposure to extreme heat during the Club World Cup in the United States. The Club World Cup final, which will pit Paris Saint-Germain against Chelsea at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will be played in high temperatures, which has generated concern. The semi-final match between Chelsea and Fluminense already showed the high temperatures, reaching 35.5 degrees Celsius at the start of the match.Faced with this situation, Infantino has confirmed that stadiums with roofs will be used, such as those in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Vancouver, to protect the players from the heat and inclement weather. Infantino highlighted the importance of analyzing the criticisms received to improve. He mentioned that, during the Paris Olympic Games, matches were also played in extreme heat conditions. Hydration breaks will be implemented and covered stadiums will be used for daytime matches.The heat made me dizzy and it was very dangerous.
Enzo Fernández, Chelsea player
In the image: Gianni Infantino, alongside prominent figures in football.
Infantino defended the tournament’s realization and revealed that some European teams that did not qualify requested to be invited. The FIFA president also confirmed the attendance of former President Donald Trump at the tournament final.
