In Response to Extreme Heat, FIFA Says 2026 World Cup to Use Only Covered Stadiums

Rising temperatures have prompted FIFA to announce that all 2026 World Cup games will be played in covered stadiums to protect both fans and athletes from heat-related illness.

According to NBC DFW, FIFA president Gianni Infantino made the announcement following a barrage of heat-related complaints and criticisms of the Club World Cup here in the U.S. Sunday’s Club World Cup Final between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea saw temperatures soaring to feel like 91 degrees by the start of the game, and that game took place at the uncovered MetLife Stadium.

"Every criticism we receive is a source for us to study and analyze what can do better," Infantino said. “Cooling breaks are very important and we will see what we can do, but we have stadiums with roofs and we will definitely use these stadiums during the day next year.”

The FIFA players’ union, FIFPRO, had asked to postpone the Club World Cup kickoff times, but that request was not approved. The union also asked for additional and longer halftime breaks to cool athletes.

“Honestly, the heat is incredible,” Blues midfielder Enzo Fernandez said. “The other day I got a little dizzy during a play. I had to lie down on the ground because I was really dizzy. Playing in this temperature is very dangerous." 

FIFA has not yet announced any specific stadiums that could be used in the 2026 World Cup. However, Infantino said that night games, when the temperatures are cooler, could still be played in non-covered facilities.

Said Infantino, “We will see what the future will bring us. We will make this better, we have had criticisms and we must do better.”