James hoping for later World Cup kick-off times

England defender Reece James is hoping Fifa will consider moving kick-off times for next year’s World Cup to help players deal with potentially stifling summer temperatures.

The United States, Canada and Mexico are co-hosting the tournament, which starts 11 June, but concerns have been raised over the extreme heat conditions teams will likely face.

James, 25, captained Chelsea to victory in the Club World Cup this summer in the US but the competition faced criticism because of the severe conditions, with the defender’s team-mate Enzo Fernandez saying he felt “dizzy” while playing in “very dangerous” heat.

Research led by Queen’s University Belfast found the temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums being used for the 2026 World Cup could exceed potentially dangerous levels during the tournament.

Philadelphia, which is one of the US cities hosting matches, was under a severe heat warning during one of Chelsea’s training sessions this summer when temperatures reached 37C but because of the 45% humidity conditions felt more like 45C.

England, who have qualified for the tournament with two games to spare, would benefit from later kick-offs when temperatures have cooled, according to manager Thomas Tuchel.

“For sure, that would definitely help,” said James, “later kick-offs when it’s not so hot and humid. That would definitely help.”

England are planning a warm-weather training camp in Florida to help acclimatise for the tournament and will also build a “heat-proof” game plan, said assistant Anthony Barry.

Asked if football’s world governing body has contacted him for feedback after the Club World Cup, James added: “No, I haven’t been asked about my thoughts on kick-off times.

Fifa is likely to schedule World Cup matches involving major European nations after midnight UK time in an effort to combat heat issues.

It is anticipated these kick-off times will mirror those at the Club World Cup, when the earliest games started at 17:00 BST, followed by 20:00, 23:00 and 02:00.

“You feel the heat the minute you step outside the hotel. The conditions are super hot,” James continued.

“Once you are out there you adapt the longer you are there, when you are settled in once place and try to limit the things you can.

“The pitches when we were there weren’t the greatest either and made it a little bit harder but hopefully by the time the World Cup comes around hopefully it’s better.”