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Calum Preston Kelly

FIFA to schedule World Cup games after MIDNIGHT?! England fans face watching Three Lions late into night as governing body bids to combat north American heat

Some matches at the World Cup next summer involving England and other European nations are likely to played after midnight UK time, as FIFA have spoken of their desire to combat extreme heat experienced in many areas of the tournament's host nations: the US, Canada and Mexico. The issues mirror those experienced at the Club World Cup in the US last summer, where matches scheduled earlier in the day in local time were often met with intense, at times, unsafe heat conditions.

  • World Cup may see kick-off times impacted by extreme conditions

    Reported by the BBC, the matter was addressed during the Leaders Conference in Twickenham, where the Club World Cup and its major lessons were discussed. While the kick-off times available during the World Cup is likely to vary depending on location, there is an understanding that aligning them with prime-time European TV schedules may not be considered as a priority.

    Player welfare has been deemed at risk if 12:00 kick-offs become commonplace in the tournament, with only five of the 16 stadiums containing a sliding roof which can provide shade for players and fans.

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    Player welfare prioritised following Club World Cup

    Case studies from the Club World Cup presented as evidence for the decision included complaints by PSG manager Luis Enrique that his side played in near 40-degree heat in their opener against Atletico Madrid in Los Angeles, while Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez expressed feelings of “dizziness” while playing due to the heat.

    It may not be usual practice for World Cup matches to be held after midnight in European time zones, but it may be a necessity – in order to protect players while also providing the best quality of matches possible.

    Kick-off times in the Club World Cup included 17:00 BST, 20:00, 23:00 and 02:00, with each representing a significant time difference from the various host cities in the US.

  • FIFA vice-president explains decision

    Victor Montagliani, FIFA vice-president alongside his role as president of the North and Central American Confederation Concacaf, said: "Kick-off times are always an issue in our region because summers are hot in Canada and US.

    "We're having conversations daily with European media and other world media, in terms of what's best and which are the stadiums that you can play at 3pm. That's all in the mix now.

    "Once the actual schedule comes out after the draw, we will do our best to ensure it's taken into consideration. Will it be that every game will be absolutely perfect from a kick-off time, from a TV perspective? I don't know."

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    Late nights may be unfortunate reality for England fans

    It will remain to be seen how often England fans are forced to stay up past midnight in order to watch the Three Lions in action next summer. It is encouraging that player welfare is being prioritised, though, following the significant issues posed by fixture congestion and the heat at the Club World Cup.