The president of the FIFA, Gianni Infantinosurprised during his speech before the Assembly of the European Football Clubs (EFC) – former ECA – by revealing that the organization is studying a profound change in the international calendar: playing the World Cups at end of year instead of the traditional months of June and July.
“We are already involved in the details, we discuss it constantly. It is not just about the World Cup, it is a general reflection. Even playing in some European countries in July is very hot, so perhaps we have to reflect,” Infantino explained. The top leader of world football considers that the current climatic conditions force a structural review of the calendar, especially with a view to the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, where summer temperatures exceed widely 40 degrees.
The experience of Qatar 2022, the key precedent
The Qatar World Cup 2022 It already set a historical precedent when it was held between November and December. The decision, at its exceptional moment, made it possible to avoid the extreme heat of the Qatari summer.
Infantino recalled that change as an example of successful adaptation:
“The best month to play football, which is June, is not used much in Europe. Maybe there are ways to optimize the calendar, but we are discussing it and we will see when we reach conclusions. We just have to keep an open mind.”
March and October, possible new “prime” dates for world football
The FIFA president also announced that March and October could become the ideal (“prime”) months to hold large international tournaments, balancing climatic conditions between hemispheres.
“If you want to play at the same time in all parts of the world, you should probably do it in March or October. In December you cannot play in one part of the world or in July in another. We must consider all these elements,” he said.
Infantino insisted that FIFA seeks to harmonize the calendar between teams and clubs, reducing date conflicts and prioritizing the well-being of footballers:
“We must analyze the release of players, the national competitions and see how to improve everything for the benefit of everyone. There is a lot at stake.”
A debate that can change the history of football
The possibility of setting the World Cups at other times of the year not only affects FIFA, but also European leagues, continental confederations and clubs, which would have to restructure their seasons.
If this change is confirmed, the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia could become the second consecutive tournament played outside the summer, consolidating a new era for the global football calendar.
