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As the FIFA World Cup gets closer, concerns about the impact of intense heat are growing.Research conducted by Queen’s University Belfast has found that temperatures could, at points, exceed a potentially dangerous level of 28°C at 14 of the 16 host stadiums in Mexico, Canada, and the USA.
The study also found that it could get as hot as 32°C at four of the stadiums, making competitive sports even more dangerous and forcing spectators to suffer in the sun.
England and Chelsea defender Reece James knows a thing or two about the summer weather in the USA, having lifted the FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea last July.The tournament featured such extreme heat that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said it was “impossible” to train.
James has suggested that starting games later next summer would be beneficial.
“It’s super difficult conditions to play in that heat, especially us playing in England – there’s not been anything like that before,” the 25-year-old said.
“For sure, that [later kick-off times] would definitely help.
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“Later kick-offs when it’s not so hot and humid. That would definitely help.”
This summer’s FIFA World Cup is set to get under way on June 11, with Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, and Miami all included on the list of host cities.
James has been a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s squads for England qualifying matches, and looks set to play a role in the upcoming international break.
England, who have already qualified for next summer’s tournament, will face Serbia and Albania in their final two World Cup qualifiers on November 13 and November 16, respectively.
Despite being expected to play in the intense heat in June, James insists he is yet to be asked about kick-off times by the organisers.
“No, I haven’t been asked about my thoughts on kick-off times,” he said.
“I’m sure they will have asked someone. Maybe managers or people at the clubs.
“I’m sure they will have got some feedback.”
James has also called the quality of the pitches into question following his experience at the FIFA Club World Cup.
“You feel the heat the minute you step outside the hotel. The conditions are super hot,” he added.
“Once you are out there, you adapt the longer you are there, when you are settled in one place, and try to limit the things you can.
“The pitches when we were there weren’t the greatest either, and that made it a little bit harder, but hopefully by the time the World Cup comes around, it’s better.”
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