FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called on the football community to keep an “open mind” regarding the timing of future World Cups, as the governing body faces mounting challenges related to climate and the international match calendar.
Traditionally, the tournament is held in June and July, aligning with the off-season for most northern hemisphere leagues. However, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar broke with this long-standing convention by taking place in November and December to avoid the extreme summer heat in the Gulf nation.
While significant changes to the tournament’s timing remain unlikely in the short term, with the International Match Calendar fixed until 2030, attention is already turning to future editions. Saudi Arabia is confirmed to host the 2034 World Cup, making it the second Middle Eastern nation to stage the event.
Speaking at the European Football Clubs’ general assembly in Rome, Infantino said, “It is not just about one World Cup, it is a general reflection. Even to play in some European countries in July is very, very hot, so maybe we have to think.”
He added, “We have summer and winter and in the world, if you want to play at the same time everywhere, you can play in March or in October. In December you cannot play in one part of the world and in July you cannot play in another part.
“We need to consider all these elements and let us see how we can make it better for everyone. Maybe there are ways we can optimise the calendar. We are discussing, we have to have an open mind.”
The next men’s World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in the traditional June to July window. However, a recent report revealed that 10 of the 16 venues are at very high risk of experiencing extreme heat stress conditions during that period.
The 2030 tournament, also scheduled for June and July, poses a complex logistical challenge. Morocco, Portugal and Spain will serve as the primary hosts, while matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will commemorate the centenary of the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930.
