Infantino Urges Open-Minded Approach to Future World Cup Scheduling

FIFA President Gianni Infantino advocates for an open-minded approach to the timing of World Cups, as climate change and logistical obstacles necessitate a reevaluation of traditional scheduling. Historically held in June and July, the tournament shifted to November-December in 2022 to accommodate Qatar's extreme temperatures.

Although FIFA's International Match Calendar is unaltered until 2030, Saudi Arabia's selection as the 2034 host highlights the need for flexible scheduling. Infantino emphasizes the importance of considering global climate variations to improve the tournament's logistics and player safety.

The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and the 2030 edition in multiple countries also pose scheduling challenges. Extreme heat and a dispersed host arrangement respectively necessitate innovative solutions, underscoring the necessity of a forward-thinking scheduling strategy.

(With inputs from agencies.)