The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is highlighted in the recent book, and as Chelsea recovers from their defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the final at MetLife Stadium, preparations for next summer’s FIFA World Cup are already in full swing. Scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the US, Canada, and Mexico, insights gathered from this summer’s experience as host countries reveal numerous issues needing resolution within the next year.
ESPN reporters covering the 2025 summer tournament are keenly aware of the significance of FIFA’s showcase event next summer.
Bad weather risks fixture congestion
Among the various issues faced during the Club World Cup, inclement weather had the most significant effect on match quality. Manchester City kicked off their first group game in Philadelphia at noon without sunscreen, while I attended another match at Atlanta’s air-conditioned stadium at 9 PM. Pep Guardiola remarked on the game, as if his team had experienced two entirely different sports.
In Atlanta, the intensity varied greatly. During the match against Wydad AC, City defender Nathan Ake noted that the game’s rhythm slowed when the sun broke through the clouds, causing stifling heat.
Looking towards the 2026 World Cup, early afternoon matches in hotspots like Miami will pose serious challenges, with temperatures soaring above 90 degrees. Due to tight scheduling, not all matches can kick off late in air-conditioned venues, which isn’t feasible for FIFA.
A pressing concern for FIFA is ensuring fairness in the tournament. England’s chances of winning could be greatly diminished if they are forced to play in sweltering conditions compared to matches held in cooler, air-conditioned stadiums like those in Atlanta and Houston. This paradox mirrors Brazil’s 2014 World Cup when England exited early at the bottom of their group.
By scheduling the World Cup in US summer, FIFA has accepted the unpredictability of weather, with both heat and storms capable of disrupting play. Moreover, different venues present varying conditions, making it essential to strive for fairness throughout the tournament. – Rob Dawson
Kick-off timing: Suitable for players, challenging for viewers
Most World Cups occur in the Northern Hemisphere during the summer months, yet North American thunderstorms can elevate the weather’s disruptive potential. Smart venue selection and kickoff timings are critical following lessons learned from the 2025 Club World Cup.
With four games scheduled daily from June 13 to 23, and as many as eight on June 24 to 26, the logistics are complex. However, FIFA has a chance to adapt based on insights gained from 2025 and avoid excessive delays.
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Nicole: Complaints about the heat show that no one respects the Club World Cup
Steve Nicol argues that weather complaints shouldn’t overshadow the importance of the event.
Six of the 16 venues have relatively temperate climates, while three more are climate-controlled. It’s essential to schedule matches in these cities during peak daytime hours.
What are the stadiums most vulnerable to weather issues? Evening matches, where kickoff might be at 10 PM local time. This has been done before, such as in La Liga, and could be replicated in the US. FIFA must take action.
During the Club World Cup, there was a pressing need to present major clubs during prime time in Europe to boost TV ratings. However, FIFA doesn’t need to cater to television for the World Cup. Historical trends reveal that audiences are willing to tune in despite time zone differences.
The World Cup’s priority should be providing optimal conditions for players rather than pleasing broadcasters. – GAB Marcotti
Logistical hurdles can hinder fan experiences
The vastness of the U.S., accustomed to moving people via rail, road, or air, could complicate travel. Weather-related delays and cancellations are always a concern. While the transportation system is functional, it will be tested next summer as fans descend upon the 48-team World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Traveling by air proved troublesome during the Club World Cup, with delays on internal flights attributed to stormy conditions. Such disruptions can lead fans to miss matches.
This disruption can also affect teams; for instance, Real Madrid had to cancel their pre-match press conference due to flight delays caused by bad weather.
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Robson brands Club World Cup weather delays “ridiculous”
Stewart Robson comments on the delays caused by extreme weather during critical matches.
As for train travel, it might get you where you need to go, but don’t expect a smooth ride from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium in under an hour. There were significant cancellations during both the Club World Cup finals.
Some venues, like Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, can only be accessed by car, making travel even more complicated. Next year is likely to yield travel challenges, so fans need to be prepared for delays. – Mark Ogden
Accessibility issues weaken the fan experience
For sports enthusiasts familiar with stadiums like MetLife in New Jersey, Hard Rock in Miami, and Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the trek to these locations can become a cumbersome process demanding patience and careful planning.
Attendees can likely recount their own “nightmarish travel stories.” For instance, many journalists found themselves arriving at the Rose Bowl, which was replaced by SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles as a World Cup venue, just in time for halftime of the PSG vs. Atletico Madrid match due to traffic issues.
At Hard Rock Stadium, even taking an Uber or driving may not guarantee timely arrival before kickoff. Enhanced security measures prevent disruptions like those seen during last summer’s Copa America but result in tedious walks through humid conditions. While FIFA provides shuttles for journalists, a similar system should be expanded to accommodate ticket-holding fans in 2026, as traffic delays could hinder their experience.
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The best of “ref cam” at the 2025 Club World Cup
Enjoy highlights captured by the referee’s body camera during the event.
Traveling to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford remains a challenge for New Yorkers, especially during rush hour, making the ride from Manhattan potentially take hours. This was evident during the Real Madrid vs. PSG semifinal, where delays forced a late start.
In addition to NJ Transit’s special train service, which, while close, still requires transfers at Secaucus Junction, delays can be lengthy.
Coordinating the movement of tens of thousands of spectators at a packed event is always complex. Without additional transport options, the existing public transport system risks causing major frustrations for fans in 2026. – Alex Kirkland
Issues with artificial turf can hinder the game
PSG manager Luis Enrique noted the contrasting surfaces at Seattle’s Lumenfield, claiming the uneven pitch hinders play much like an damaged NBA court. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham criticized these artificial pitches for being hard on players’ knees.
FIFA must address this. Frustration about the playing surface stems from issues raised during last summer’s Copa America, with Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez calling the Atlanta pitch “a disaster.”
Five venues from the Club World Cup—Lumenfield, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Hard Rock Stadium, MetLife Stadium, and Lincoln Financial Field—will be utilized for next summer’s World Cup, yet they largely feature artificial turf, failing to meet FIFA’s requirement for matches to occur on natural grass. Issues encountered during the tournament showcase FIFA’s attempts to innovate with hybrid surfaces.
Moreover, maintaining natural grass can be problematic in stadiums with roofs like those in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Vancouver.
“I’ll report back to improve after this tournament for 2026,” stated Pitch Manager Breakri Stensen at MetLife. “Our team is sharper and more proficient than they were 35 days ago. We’re committed to enhancing conditions for next year’s event.” – James Ollie
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Hutchison: “You can’t blame Donnarumma for Musiala’s injuries.”
GAB Marcotti and Don Hutchison discuss responsibility for injuries incurred during the Club World Cup.
Are players adequately prepared?
The 2025 Club World Cup saw 32 teams from around the globe compete under harsh conditions, facing extreme heat and extensive travel across the United States while dealing with challenging pitch conditions.
While Major League Soccer players continued their season during the 2025 campaign, the offseason from early December to late February left little time for recovery, with increased fatigue evident on the field. This lack of rest has led to concerns over injuries and performance consistency.
With only one year to go until the 2026 World Cup, players and clubs risk missing a crucial summer break. They must juggle physical demands while avoiding injuries, and it’s uncertain how this tournament will influence their performance moving forward. – Lizzie Bechelano
Fan Take: This report highlights significant logistical and environmental challenges facing the 2026 World Cup, crucial for fans anticipating a seamless experience. Addressing these issues is vital for ensuring that the tournament lives up to the global stage it represents, impacting the sport’s reputation and fan engagement.
