World Cup: FIFA announce new measure for players to help combat scorching heat | OneFootball

There have been fears surrounding heat exhaustion at next summer’s tournament in North America

FIFA have announced there will be two three-minute hydration breaks in every game at next summer’s World Cup to combat the scorching temperatures.

The 2026 World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 and spans three countries in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Matches in some host cities will take place under roofs in air-conditioned stadiums to help combat particularly high temperatures.

A recent report from ‘Pitches in Peril’ concluded that 10 of the 16 World Cup venues are at “very high risk of experiencing extreme heat stress conditions.”

Referees will stop every game 22 minutes into each half next summer, regardless of the venue, as FIFA seek to ensure “equal conditions for all teams, in all matches”.

FIFA claim that the now-finalised schedule for the World Cup has been designed to “minimise travel to teams and fans, maximise rest days between matches for all participating nations, and enable the widest possible global audience to follow their teams across different time zones”.

There are also plans to hold three opening ceremonies as well as a Super Bowl-style half-time show. There will also be a closing ceremony.

The first opening ceremony will be held before the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 in Mexico City.

There will then be further opening ceremonies for Canada’s match in Toronto against an unconfirmed European play-off winner on June 12 and before the United States take on Paraguay in Los Angeles on the same day.