World Cup kick-offs likely to be after midnight in UK due to heat

World Cup kick-offs likely to be after midnight in UK due to heat

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In an effort to prevent heat issues that affected the most recent Club World Cup, Fifa are likely to schedule World Cup games involving major European nations after midnight UK time next year.

The anticipated World Cup kick-off times had been anticipated to follow the Club World Cup’s, which started at 17:00 BST and was followed by 20:00, 23:00, and 02:00.

However, the first would be a midday kick-off on the east coast of the United States, while the second would be a midday kick-off on the west coast.

Luis Enrique, the manager of Paris St-Germain, criticized his team for playing in near-40 degree heat in the club’s opening game of the World Cup against Atletico Madrid in Los Angeles, which drew a 12-hour delay.

Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea complained of being dizzy while playing, and many coaches and players were affected by the heat and humidity.

Victor Montagliani, the leader of the North and Central American Confederation Concacaf, asked what the key lessons learned from the Club World Cup were during his speech at the Leaders Conference in Twickenham.

With 48 teams competing in the World Cup, there are 11 consecutive days in the group phase with four games, each played at different times, for which 12:00 kick-offs were anticipated to be commonplace.

It is impossible to schedule all of the early kick-offs in the United States because five of the 16 stadiums used in the United States, Canada, and Mexico either have roofs that are standard or have sliding roofs that provide shade.

When asked to elaborate on his remarks, Montagliani, who also serves as the region’s vice-president of the world’s governing body Fifa, said: “Kick-off times are always an issue in our region because summers are hot in Canada and the US.

We’re talking about what’s best and which stadiums to play at 3 o’clock every day with European and other world media. That is currently all that is in the mix.

Montagliani wouldn’t be alarmed by Donald Trump’s recent threat to relocate some of the games from “unsafe” cities.

He made it clear, however, that only Fifa has the authority to change matches, so Trump shouldn’t make that choice.

He said, “If I have to react whenever a politician makes a statement, whether it’s a president, senator, congressman, or even one from my country, Mexico, then I wouldn’t be doing my job.”

“We’re focused on the 16 venues, in reality.

More English clubs competing in the Club World Cup?

Additionally, Montagliani mentioned the possibility of adding more English teams to the upcoming Club World Cup in 2029.

This summer’s competition had a two-team cap, with eventual champions Chelsea and Manchester City representing England after winning the Champions League for the first four years.

Both Barcelona and Premier League champions Liverpool’s defeat in the previous season and their absence were notable.

A third English team might be able to qualify, according to Montagliani, who made an apprehension about the potential expansion of the next tournament beyond 32 teams.

You can’t just go in there because of their excellent history, right? “he said.

They have a right to enter because they deserve to do so.

“I’m in favor of renewing it all, perhaps considering its potential expansion,” the statement reads. 48 I suppose. Is it even possible, though? What is the process? Who obtains them.

related subjects

  • Football
  • FIFA World Cup

Source: BBC

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