Football’s governing body could be heading for another major shake-up as FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suggested that future World Cups might be held in the winter a move that has already sent ripples through the football community. Speaking amid ongoing negotiations to redefine the international match calendar beyond 2030, Infantino said football must become “more open-minded” about when and how the game’s biggest tournament is played, Softfootball reports.
Infantino’s comments come as FIFA explores ways to optimize global scheduling after the 2022 Qatar World Cup successfully tested the winter format. With the 2034 edition already awarded to Saudi Arabia, another winter tournament appears inevitable given the region’s intense summer temperatures. However, analysts believe this might not just be a one-off it could mark a permanent shift in football’s global rhythm.
Speaking on Sky Sports news via the official youtube page, chief correspondent Carvey Solhekol offered his interpretation of Infantino’s remarks, saying,
I think Infantino is floating the idea of World Cups always being held in winter. He’s effectively suggesting that moving the tournament could free up the summer for more club competitions like the new Club World Cup, which he clearly sees as his baby.
Infantino’s push appears closely tied to his ambition to make the Club World Cup a flagship global tournament. The first expanded edition, hosted in the United States, saw Chelsea emerge as champions and reportedly generated over £1.7 billion in revenue. Infantino has claimed that within 30 years, the event could generate up to £173 billion, citing over 2.5 million fans in attendance and a prize pot exceeding $1 billion. While some dismiss such figures as an exaggeration, they understand FIFA’s determination to reshape football’s economic landscape.
If the World Cup were permanently moved to the winter, it would drastically alter the international football calendar, forcing Europe’s top leagues to adjust their domestic schedules an idea that’s likely to provoke fierce debate among clubs, players, and fans alike.
Catch the full breakdown of Infantino’s comment on the FIFA World Cup Potentially being held during the winter on Skysports News Channel , watch video below;
Meanwhile, international football remains in full swing. Teams like Portugal have maintained a perfect start to their World Cup qualification campaign, showcasing the growing competitiveness of national football under packed schedules. In Africa, Mo Salah led Egypt to their fifth World Cup appearance after a convincing 3–0 victory over Djibouti, showcasing how global interest in international tournaments continues to rise regardless of when they’re played.
As FIFA continues to reimagine the future of football, one question contines to ponder; is the world ready for a permanent winter World Cup?
