Player Welfare Advocacy: FIFPRO's Call for Improved Match Scheduling at the 2026 World Cup
FIFPRO, the global footballers' union, is seeking discussions with FIFA regarding match scheduling for the 2026 World Cup following concerns raised during the recent Club World Cup in the United States. A report by FIFPRO highlighted the impact of workload and rest on player health and performance during the 2024-25 season, particularly focusing on the short summer rest periods for clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea, the eventual winners of the Club World Cup.
The study revealed that some clubs had less than the recommended 28-day summer rest period, with Chelsea and Madrid having only 20 days each, and PSG having just seven days of pre-season re-training. FIFPRO has called on FIFA to reconsider match kick-off times and venues for the upcoming 48-team World Cup in 2026, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, to address concerns about excessive heat and severe weather conditions impacting games.
Despite ongoing informal discussions with FIFA on various levels, FIFPRO is still awaiting formal talks to address the issue of match scheduling for the World Cup next year. The organization plans to provide scientific data and recommendations to FIFA well in advance of the tournament, as they did for the Club World Cup. FIFPRO is also engaging with other governing bodies, such as the organizers of the Women's Asian Cup, to ensure player health and safety are prioritized in tournament planning.
FIFPRO's general secretary, Alex Phillips, emphasized the importance of providing relevant statistics and facts to ensure the well-being of players, stating that it is the organization's responsibility to advocate for player health. This sentiment was echoed by Alex Bielefeld, FIFPRO's director of policy and strategic relations, who highlighted the direct impact of excessive heat on players during the Club World Cup. As discussions continue, FIFPRO remains committed to advocating for player welfare in football competitions worldwide.