England defender Reece James is urging FIFA to rethink kick-off times for the 2026 World Cup to help players cope with the sweltering summer heat expected across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The tournament kicks off on June 11, and with temperatures in some host cities expected to soar, concerns over player safety are rising. James, 25, who captained Chelsea to victory in this summer’s Club World Cup in the US, knows how punishing the conditions can be.
“It’s super difficult conditions to play in that heat, especially us playing in England, there’s nothing like that before,” he said. His teammate Enzo Fernández described feeling “dizzy” while playing in what he called “very dangerous” heat.
During Chelsea’s training in Philadelphia this summer, the city was under a severe heat warning. Temperatures reached 37°C, but with 45 per cent humidity, it felt closer to 45°C. A study from Queen’s University Belfast warned that 14 of the 16 stadiums set to host World Cup matches could face potentially dangerous temperatures during the tournament.
James believes later kick-off times could ease the strain. “For sure, that would definitely help, later kick-offs when it’s not so hot and humid. That would definitely help,” he said.
England manager Thomas Tuchel agrees and has already planned a warm-weather training camp in Florida to help the team adapt. Assistant coach Anthony Barry said the squad is also preparing a “heat-proof” game plan for the tournament.
Asked if FIFA had consulted him after the Club World Cup about kick-off times, James said: “No, I haven’t been asked about my thoughts on kick-off times. I’m sure they will have asked someone. Maybe managers or people at the clubs. I’m sure they will have got some feedback.”
FIFA is expected to schedule matches involving major European teams later in the day to avoid the hottest hours. This could follow the pattern used at the Club World Cup, where matches kicked off at 17:00, 20:00, 23:00, and 02:00 BST.
“You feel the heat the minute you step outside the hotel. The conditions are super hot,” James said. “Once you are out there, you adapt the longer you are there, when you are settled in one 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, it’s better.”
England have already qualified for the tournament and will take on Serbia at Wembley on Thursday before travelling to Albania on Sunday.
