Infantino Opens Debate: World Cup Calendar Under Review by FIFA

Infantino Advocates for Flexibility in World Cup Schedule

The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has expressed the need to keep an “open mind” regarding the scheduling of future World Cups, not just the 2034 one in Saudi Arabia. Discussions on how the international football calendar will be after 2030 are ongoing, and various factors are being considered to optimize the competition. Traditionally, the World Cups have been played in June and July, but the 2022 edition in Qatar was held in November and December to avoid the extreme desert heat. A similar solution is expected for the Saudi edition in nine years. Infantino insists that climate change demands broader consideration in the scheduling of all international tournaments.

If you want to play at the same time everywhere, then you can play in March or October, probably because in December you don’t play in one part of the world, and in July we don’t play in another part of the world.

Gianni Infantino

Infantino noted that FIFA is in the details of the discussion about the scheduling for the Saudi Arabia finals, but added that the reflection is general. Even playing in some European countries in July can be very hot, so alternatives should be considered.

The best month to play football, June, is not used much in Europe. Options are being explored to optimize the calendar, and decisions will be made based on ongoing discussions. “We just have to have an open mind,” Infantino stated. Furthermore, Infantino hinted at the expansion of the Club World Cup to 48 teams. This summer’s edition in the United States, with 32 teams, was a “great success” in terms of attendance, participation, and revenue generated. The competition’s scheduling has generated legal challenges from national leagues and players’ unions, who criticize the lack of adequate consultation regarding the international match calendar. The clubs want to expand the competition, and the FIFA president indicated his willingness to allow more clubs to participate in the next edition, which will be played in 2029. Infantino concluded that work will be done in collaboration with “all clubs and stakeholders” to improve and expand the impact of the tournament, which will benefit everyone involved.