Gianni Infantino Urges Open Mind on Changing World Cup Schedule
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called on the global football community to keep an “open mind” about when the World Cup should be played, suggesting that the traditional summer schedule may not always suit every region of the world.
For decades, football’s biggest tournament has been held during the northern hemisphere’s summer, usually in June and July. However, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, staged in December to avoid the desert nation’s scorching heat, broke that long-standing convention — and sparked a global debate about whether football needs to rethink its calendar.
Infantino: Football Must Adapt to Global Realities
Speaking recently, Infantino said football must evolve to fit the different seasons and climates of host nations rather than forcing every country to follow the same timeline.
“We have summer and winter, and if we want to play at the same time everywhere, that’s simply impossible,” he explained. “In December you can’t play in some regions, while in July others face unbearable heat. We must take all these realities into account and find the best balance for the global game.”
He added that FIFA’s goal is to optimize the international football calendar in a way that prioritizes both fairness and player well-being.
“Perhaps there are better ways to organize the calendar,” Infantino continued. “We’re open to discussion. What matters most is that we approach it with flexibility and an open mind.”
The international football schedule has already been locked in until 2030. The next Men’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be played in June and July 2026.
In 2030, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will share hosting duties, with a few matches staged in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to celebrate the tournament’s 100th anniversary. The 2034 World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia.
FIFA Eyes Bigger Role for the Club World Cup
Infantino also confirmed FIFA’s plan to further expand the Club World Cup, aiming to raise its global profile and commercial value. The newly expanded 32-team format, first hosted by the United States earlier this year, took place during a record-breaking heatwave that pushed temperatures above 39°C (102°F) in some cities, including New York.
This led to criticism from players and unions concerned about player safety and the already packed match calendar. Maheta Molango, head of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), warned that the expansion risks “devaluing” the sport by adding unnecessary strain on players.
Still, Infantino defended the tournament’s success, highlighting its strong attendance and global engagement.
“When the Champions League began, its total revenue was €40 million. Now it brings in €4 billion,” Infantino noted. “If the original Club World Cup generated €2 billion over 30 years, this new version can reach €200 billion. That’s the scale of opportunity we’re creating for clubs.”
He emphasized that FIFA is working closely with clubs and stakeholders to make the competition more valuable and sustainable.
“The goal is to make it better, bigger, and more impactful — not just for FIFA, but for everyone involved,” he said.
Infantino added that the event drew 2.5 million spectators, with an average attendance of 40,000 per match, a figure that rivals major domestic leagues.
“Interest is global,” he stressed. “We need to use that interest to strengthen both domestic leagues and international competitions.”
In this year’s final, Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain to claim the title in New York.
UEFA Gives Cautious Green Light to Games Abroad
Infantino also addressed the growing debate over domestic league matches being played overseas, an increasingly controversial issue within world football.
In February, AC Milan will face Como in Perth, Australia, while Barcelona and Villarreal will meet in Miami this December. Although UEFA reluctantly approved the fixtures, the governing body made clear that it remains opposed to the concept but currently has no legal framework to block it.
Infantino warned that allowing too many games abroad could undermine football’s traditional structure.
“Football has always been organized in three levels — national, continental, and global,” he said. “That structure made it the most popular sport in the world. If we start breaking it, we risk damaging the foundation of the game.”
He suggested that world football must decide whether to embrace a fully globalized model — where teams play anywhere — or maintain a regulated system that protects local fanbases.
“We need a thoughtful, global reflection,” he said. “Do we want everyone to play anywhere they want, or do we want clear rules that protect clubs, leagues, and their fans?”
UEFA’s Ceferin Warns: ‘Don’t Break Football’
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin reinforced his opposition to the idea of taking domestic league games abroad, warning that football’s cultural roots could be damaged beyond repair.
“Football isn’t just business. It’s not only about balance sheets or entertainment,” Ceferin said during the European Football Clubs’ General Assembly in Rome. “It’s about communities, local clubs, and the fans who give the game its soul. They are the lifeblood of football.”
Ceferin’s remarks echoed widespread criticism from European supporters, many of whom believe that playing official league games abroad alienates local fans and erodes club traditions.
Balancing Growth, Tradition, and Player Welfare
The debate over football’s future — from World Cup scheduling to global expansion — reflects the challenges facing the sport’s leaders. FIFA’s ambitions to modernize the game, expand tournaments, and attract new markets must be balanced against player welfare, fan loyalty, and football’s heritage.
Infantino insists that FIFA’s vision is not just about growth, but about making football fairer and more sustainable in a changing world.
“Our goal is to make football better for everyone — not just bigger,” he said. “That means adapting to global realities while protecting what makes the game unique.”
As the world’s most popular sport continues to evolve, Infantino’s call for flexibility may mark the beginning of a new era — one that redefines when, where, and how football’s biggest events are played, without losing sight of the passion that unites fans across the globe.