World Cup 2026 Kick-Offs May Be After Midnight in UK

World Cup 2026 Kick-Offs Could Be After Midnight in UK Due to Heat Concerns

FIFA is reportedly preparing to schedule 2026 World Cup matches involving major European teams after midnight UK time, due to extreme heat risks at host venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This move follows troubling heat conditions during the recent Club World Cup, where temperatures exceeded 40°C during some fixtures.

Heat & Humidity at Club World Cup Raise Red Flags

At the Club World Cup this summer, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique voiced serious concerns after his squad struggled in Los Angeles during a midday fixture. Players from various teams, including Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, complained of dizziness and exhaustion from the oppressive heat and humidity.

Victor Montagliani, Concacaf president and FIFA vice-president, called kick-off times the biggest lesson learned from that tournament. He emphasized that matches at noon local time are unviable, even in stadiums with retractable roofs.

“Summers are hot in Canada and the US. We’re having daily conversations with European broadcasters to balance global TV audiences with player safety,” Montagliani said.

Why Midnight Kick-Offs in the UK?

FIFA originally considered four kick-off slots:

• 17:00 BST

• 20:00 BST

• 23:00 BST

• 02:00 BST

However, early local kick-offs (12:00 in LA, for example) have proven dangerous, and evening games in North America translate to post-midnight UK times. This will pose a challenge for European audiences, but FIFA appears to prioritize player health and stadium logistics.

While five of the 16 host stadiums offer some form of shading, heat mitigation across 11 consecutive match days (with four games per day) will be complex.

Trump’s Comments on ‘Unsafe Cities’ Dismissed by FIFA

Montagliani also responded to former US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that matches should be moved away from certain “unsafe” cities, firmly stating:

“It’s FIFA’s tournament. They make the decisions. With all due respect to current world leaders, football is bigger than them.”

More English Teams at the Club World Cup?

The 2025 Club World Cup in the USA is capped at 32 teams with a maximum of two per country. For England, that meant only Chelsea and Manchester City were included, leaving out Liverpool, despite recent success.

Montagliani hinted this could change in 2029, saying FIFA is open to expanding the number of participating clubs and potentially relaxing country caps.

“You can’t just have teams come in because of history… but expansion is a possibility. Maybe 48 teams, but the feasibility and format need review.”

This could allow three or more Premier League sides to enter the next edition, should the qualification format evolve.

Final Thoughts

As FIFA juggles logistics, kick-off times, venue safety, and broadcasting rights, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be the most complex tournament ever staged. One thing is clear: football may never sleep, especially for fans in the UK.