Weather Worries Not Stopping FIFA From Putting World Cup Final in Potential Swelter

Weather worries not stopping FIFA from putting World Cup final in potential swelter

FIFA is planning on kicking off the 2026 World Cup final in the afternoon next year, despite growing concerns about the heat that have popped up during this year’s Club World Cup.

2026 FIFA World Cup final planned for mid-afternoon in New Jersey

Despite pleas from the players’ union to avoid midday starts in certain heat-impacted locations during next summer’s FIFA World Cup, it seems as if soccer’s governing body is planning to play its most important game in sweltering conditions. According to a report by Melanie Anzidei of The Athletic, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy believes FIFA will kickoff the World Cup final at 3 p.m. ET in his state’s MetLife Stadium. “I don’t want to speak fo…

Next year's World Cup Final reportedly set for 3 PM ET

The following article "Next year’s World Cup Final reportedly set for 3 PM ET" originally appeared on Sports Media Watch. As it stands now, the final match of next year’s FIFA World Cup is set for a mid-afternoon start. The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final is tentatively scheduled to kick off around 3 PM ET next July 19, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy — whose state will host the final four games of the tournament — told Melanie Anzidel of The Athletic…