news 
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to utilize roofed stadiums during the day for the upcoming 2026 Men’s World Cup has sparked controversy, amidst growing concerns about extreme heat and match delays. In an attempt to mitigate these issues, Infantino emphasized that FIFA will “definitely use” these stadiums during the day next year.
However, experts warn that relying solely on roofed venues may not be a viable solution for the tournament. A significant proportion of the 104 scheduled matches are set to take place in open-air stadiums, which are more susceptible to extreme weather events and heat stress. This poses an undeniable risk to both players and spectators.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has been marred by extreme heat and lightning storms, leading Infantino’s recent response. A Brunel University study suggests that over half of the proposed host cities will likely exceed safe temperature thresholds during the men’s tournament unless broader adaptation is implemented.
Rather than focusing on a limited number of matches in roofed stadiums, it is imperative to concentrate efforts on adapting climate-resilient plans for open-air venues. This should include free water refill points, energy-efficient solutions, and real-time monitoring to ensure player comfort and safety during heatwaves.
Source: www.forbes.com
