The global professional footballers' union, known as FIFPro, has filed a formal complaint to FIFA requesting key modifications for the 2026 World Cup, aiming to protect players' health in light of the extreme weather conditions expected at several venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
FIFPro's concern arose after the recent Club World Cup held in the United States, where temperatures exceeded 40 °C (104 °F) in some cities. "The Club World Cup experience was a wake-up call. The impact of heat in tournaments of this magnitude can't be ignored," warned Alexander Bielefeld, the union's policy chief.
Among the main proposals, FIFPro demands:
- Extending halftime from 15 to 20 minutes.
- Establishing hydration breaks every 15 minutes.
- Scheduling matches to avoid peak sun exposure hours, especially midday.
Studies by the union itself indicate that at least 6 of the 16 World Cup venues, including Miami, present an "extremely high risk" of heat stress, which increases the danger of injuries, heatstroke, and acute fatigue.
