As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concerns are emerging over potential disruptions due to extreme weather. With only a year left until the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, experts warn that the conditions we are seeing today could be replicated during the World Cup.
Extreme Weather Already Impacting Matches
The ongoing Club World Cup in the United States has been severely impacted by weather conditions. In fact, several matches, including Chelsea’s Round of 16 game against Benfica, were interrupted due to storms. The match was halted just five minutes before the final whistle. This was not an isolated incident, weather-related delays have affected multiple games in the tournament. Some delays have even lasted up to two hours.
The heat is already intense, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, where temperatures have soared above 40°C. This has created uncomfortable conditions for players and teams. Thunderstorms have also caused havoc in other major cities like Orlando, Charlotte, and New Jersey. These extreme weather events have raised concerns for what may happen when the World Cup kicks off next year.
Ben Schott, a top official from the National Weather Service, has confirmed that heatwaves and thunderstorms are typical for US summers. In an interview, he stated, “What we are seeing right now is very typical. This is not unusual at all. Next year, we may be going through the same thing.” Schott, who is part of FIFA’s weather safety planning team, emphasized that extreme weather is likely to disrupt matches, as we have already seen in the Club World Cup.
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What Is FIFA Doing About It?
FIFA is working closely with weather experts to prepare for potential disruptions in 2026. With less than a year to go, the global football governing body is aiming to implement strategies to minimize the impact of weather on the tournament. From heatwaves to thunderstorms, FIFA must ensure that the safety of players and fans is prioritized.
As we approach the 2026 World Cup, one question looms large: will extreme weather become a major player in the tournament?