With temperatures hitting as high as 39c in the day in the height of summer in Saudi Arabia, there is a strong possibility that the 2034 World Cup will need to be played in the winter. Indeed, average temperatures are a much more bearable 22c in December, and it means that the Saudi Arabia World Cup may be pushed back in the calendar.
It wouldn’t be the first time this has happened in the competition’s history, with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, won by Argentina, setting the benchmark. While this did mean that the footballing calendar was adjusted for an earlier start and a later finish for leagues in Europe, it would vastly improve conditions for players and fans alike.
Infantino has suggested that a change to the calendar could become a permanent move further down the line, meaning some domestic seasons would run into June rather than finish in mid-May.
Speaking at the European Football Clubs’ annual assembly in Rome, Infantino said talks are already underway to alter the footballing calendar. “We are already into the nitty-gritty, we are discussing all the time,” Infantino is quoted as saying by The Times.
“It’s not just about one World Cup – it’s a general reflection – even to play in some European countries in July is very, very hot, so maybe we have to think. Actually, the best month to play football, which is June, is not used very much in Europe. Maybe there are ways we can optimise the calendar, but we are discussing it and we will see when we come to some conclusions. We just have to have an open mind.
“It is a fact that in the world, if you want to play at the same time everywhere, you can play in March or in October, most likely. Because in December you cannot play in one part of the world and in July you cannot play in another part of the world. We need to consider all these elements when we speak about national team competitions, national team release, about club competitions, and see how we can make it better for the benefit of everyone. So there is a lot at stake.”
The FIFA President is also adamant that there will be no visa issues at the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in North America next summer, adding: “There will be no issues with regard to visas for the participating teams and we are hoping to announce something soon for fans. We have excellent discussions with the US government, there is White House task force headed by President Trump,” he said.
Furthermore, Infantino added that he hopes Israel‘s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy won’t be targeted by protesters after a ceasefire was agreed between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict in Gaza.
“Now there is a ceasefire everyone should be happy about that and support the process,” Infantino said.
“It goes beyond football but it includes football as well. The ceasefire agreement is fantastic news for the whole world.”
At the time of writing, 19 nations have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, with Japan the first none-host to secure their spot in the US. With South American qualifying wrapped up, 2022 winners Argentina and the World Cup’s most successful side, Brazil, have also secured their spot stateside.
The likes of England, Portugal, Spain and France are also expected to jet across the Atlantic next summer as they quartet seek to maintain their 100% start to their respective World Cup qualifying campaigns. The latest side to book their ticket are Algeria, who qualified on Thursday.
