The players' union is calling for longer halftime breaks, hydration pauses every 15 minutes, and matches to be scheduled outside of midday hours
Although FIFA has already implemented measures such as water, cold towels, and shaded areas during the Club World Cup, FIFPro believes that, due to the longer duration and greater demands of the World Cup, stronger policies are needed.
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:
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.
Another factor complicating the organization is the frequent thunderstorms at some U.S. venues, which require matches to be suspended for safety protocol.
Meanwhile, Alexander Phillips, the union's general secretary, confirmed that meetings have already taken place with FIFA to address these issues, although he admitted that television interests, especially European ones, could influence the final decision.
Despite this, the organization's goal is clear: the World Cup should be a great celebration, but it should also prioritize the health of the players who make it possible.
