Scientists urge FIFA to do more to protect players. What are they proposing?

The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and scientists are calling on FIFA to take greater steps to protect players during the tournament, putting forward several proposed changes.

Details: according to BBC Sport, a group of leading international scientists have urged FIFA to introduce stricter player-protection measures during the World Cup. They are proposing longer cooling breaks during matches, as well as clearer protocols for delaying or postponing fixtures in extreme weather conditions.

FIFA has stated that it is working closely with authorities in the host countries and with medical experts to ensure the tournament is conducted in a “safe and sustainable” manner.

It is also worth noting that at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, players entered the pitch one by one, in a style similar to what is seen in basketball and hockey, but FIFA are now looking to modify that format for the international tournament.

Reminder: FIFA president Gianni Infantino has addressed the growing dissatisfaction over ticket prices for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.