As the men's World Cup approaches, the ability to cope with high temperatures and humidity could be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. Historical examples, such as Graeme Souness's struggles in the 1986 Mexico World Cup, highlight the physical toll extreme heat can take on players. Souness lost over six kilograms during a match against West Germany and was subsequently dropped for a crucial game due to exhaustion.
Recent tournaments have underscored the importance of adapting to heat. During last year's Club World Cup in the United States, some teams were forced to stop training, and players experienced dizziness and fatigue. Chelsea's victory in that competition was attributed to their tactical flexibility, including an aggressive start followed by controlled possession to conserve energy.
Experts note that in hot and humid conditions, teams benefit from keeping the ball and playing a patient game punctuated by short bursts of attacking football. This approach was successfully employed by Brazil in the 1994 World Cup, where they averaged 60% possession, the highest for a winner until Spain in 2010. The ability to change pace and judge when to accelerate will be crucial in knockout matches.
While the fundamentals remain consistent, modern coaching has evolved. In 2026, teams are less likely to rely on individual improvisation and more on structured tactical plans. The use of five substitutes allows for greater rotation, but intense pressing for 90 minutes remains impractical. Ultimately, the team that best manages the heat—through early aggression, ball retention, and strategic pacing—will have a significant advantage in the tournament.
