Insights from the Club World Cup: Navigating Weather, Traffic, and More for the World Cup
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Lessons for the 2026 World Cup
As the excitement of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup winds down, the soccer world is already turning its sights to the next monumental event: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The recent tournament provided invaluable insights into logistics, conditions, and the overall experience that can help refine preparations for next summer’s showdown. Here are some key takeaways from the Club World Cup that FIFA needs to address to ensure a seamless experience for players and fans alike.
Weather Challenges: Preventing Fixture Pileups
Weather conditions emerged as one of the most significant factors impacting the 2025 Club World Cup. Teams, like Manchester City, faced extreme temperatures during their matches. The disparity between playing at noon in Philadelphia and later in an air-conditioned Atlanta stadium highlighted the influence of weather on game quality. If FIFA does not address this issue, teams might find themselves contending with harsh conditions during critical matches in venues like Miami, where summer temperatures can soar above 90 degrees.
The challenge is to ensure fairness among competing teams. Teams playing in climate-controlled environments could have a distinct advantage over those exposed to stifling heat, similar to England’s struggles during the 2014 World Cup. FIFA must prioritize strategies for equitable scheduling to maintain the competitive integrity of the tournament.
Kickoff Times: Prioritizing Player Well-Being Over TV Ratings
World Cup schedules have traditionally favored television audiences over players’ performance conditions. However, the 2025 Club World Cup demonstrated the need for a reassessment of kickoff times. With varying temperatures and weather patterns, playing matches during the heat of the day—or even delaying them due to thunderstorms—can significantly affect performance and player safety.
FIFA should consider shifting some match times to cooler parts of the day, especially in cities known for high temperatures. Historical data shows that soccer fans are willing to adjust their schedules to watch World Cup matches, so priority should be given to player welfare and match quality.
Travel Disruptions: A Major Headache in a Vast Country
In the vast landscape of the U.S., travel logistics proved to be a significant hurdle during the Club World Cup. Instances of delayed flights and challenging ground transportation highlighted the complexities involved in moving teams and fans across states. The diverse climatic regions create additional concerns, with storms and technical issues contributing to unpredictable travel disruptions.
As the 2026 tournament approaches, FIFA must establish comprehensive travel plans and contingencies to ensure teams move smoothly between venues. Providing dedicated transportation for fans and teams can alleviate some of the congestion that will inevitably arise during this massive event.
Fan Access: Simplifying Stadium Arrivals
Accessing venues like New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium or Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium has long been a challenge for fans. Reports from the Club World Cup indicated that many fans faced significant delays due to traffic and extensive security measures. With the 2026 World Cup expecting tens of thousands of attendees, efficient access and departure from stadiums must be a top priority.
FIFA could consider implementing shuttle bus services that frequently transport fans to and from major transportation hubs or designated parking areas. Improving public transport options and streamlining entry processes at the stadiums could elevate the overall fan experience.
Playing Surfaces: The Need for Quality Pitches
Concerns over playing surfaces surfaced prominently during the 2025 tournament. High-profile players criticized venues like Seattle’s Lumen Field for subpar pitch conditions, describing them as detrimental to performance and safety. The prevalence of artificial turf in stadiums used during the Club World Cup raised questions about the quality of play and player safety ahead of the World Cup.
FIFA needs to ensure that all venues meet the international standards for natural grass. If adjustments are not made, the playing conditions could affect the tournament’s integrity and the health of the athletes involved.
Player Fitness: Balancing Exhaustion with Competitive Spirit
The recent tournament showcased the high toll that extensive travel and extreme conditions can take on players. Many top teams faced fatigue as they juggled the ongoing demands of their domestic seasons while participating in the Club World Cup. Without adequate recovery time, players risk injury or diminished performance, impacting the quality of play.
As teams prepare for the 2026 World Cup, it will be crucial to monitor player fitness levels throughout their league seasons. Clubs, coaches, and national team selectors must collaborate closely to ensure players arrive at the tournament healthy and primed for competition. Striking this delicate balance will be key to showcasing the sport at its highest level during the World Cup.
