It was a summer of soccer in the USA, with the nation hosting the World Cup, but it was also a time of stress and challenges. In addition to concerns about field conditions, crowd control, and security, Mother Nature brought extreme weather ranging from scorching heat to torrential rain and lightning, causing delays and disruptions during games and tours.
Meteorologists are raising concerns about the impact of climate change on major tournaments held during the summer. The recent delays and evacuations due to weather-related issues highlight the need for FIFA to prioritize addressing these problems. Dan DePodwin from AccuWeather emphasized the importance of considering high temperatures when scheduling matches, questioning whether games should be played in locations with extreme summer heat.
The impact of the weather was evident during Copa America matches, with incidents of heat-related health issues among players and officials. The extreme conditions affected training sessions and forced teams to adjust their schedules to cope with the heat. The organizing body, CONMEBOL, issued directives to address exertional heat stroke in soccer, emphasizing the importance of player health and safety in extreme weather conditions.
DePodwin highlighted the challenges posed by high humidity in addition to soaring temperatures, pointing out that factors like humidity, wind speed, and sun angle contribute to the real feel of the weather. He suggested that starting games in the morning or late evening could help mitigate the effects of extreme heat, but acknowledged the logistical challenges of scheduling matches during major tournaments.
Looking ahead to future tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup, DePodwin emphasized the need for venues to have plans in place to address heat and weather-related issues. He also raised concerns about poor air quality, citing previous incidents of hazardous air quality due to wildfires that could impact sporting events.
While FIFA cannot control the weather, planning and preparation will be crucial to ensure the success of future tournaments. The organization is monitoring weather trends and considering factors like heat forecasts to optimize playing and spectating conditions for teams and fans. As discussions continue about the timing of major tournaments and the impact of weather on player and fan safety, careful planning and adaptation will be key to overcoming weather-related challenges in future events.