For the first time, the FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams when it kicks off in June–July 2026 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While the draw held last Friday gave some teams confidence, the release of the full schedule the following day quickly replaced many smiles with concern.
Many nations that were initially satisfied with their group-stage opponents are now worried about the massive travel distances, dangerous heat levels, and high-altitude venues, which may prove just as challenging as the football itself.
Spain’s Route Highlights the Climate and Travel Struggles World Cup
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was captured smiling during the group draw, as his team avoided major group pressure with Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde. But the reality of the schedule may quickly erase that smile.
Spain will play their first two World Cup matches in Atlanta, nestled in the Appalachian region, where temperatures are expected to reach 33–35°C with heavy humidity. Although the stadium has a roof system, conditions will still be taxing.
After a week in Atlanta, the Spanish squad will face their biggest hurdle: a 2,800 km flight to Guadalajara, Mexico, situated nearly 1,700 meters above sea level and in a completely different time zone.
De la Fuente admitted:
“𝑴𝒚 𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔. 𝑾𝒆’𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔.”
Spain must face Uruguay there—arguably their toughest group opponent. Although the evening kickoff will reduce suffering from the heat, the thinner air and unpredictable winds could complicate the match. The loser may then need to travel back to Miami for the Round of 32.
Mexico’s Venues Pose Extreme Physical Challenges
Teams assigned to Mexico appear to have drawn the short straw. Its three stadiums all offer vastly different conditions, and none are easy.
The most intimidating is the Azteca Stadium, sitting at 2,200 meters above sea level. The stadium’s altitude causes the ball to move strangely in the air due to light, swirling winds. Former US goalkeeper Tim Howard once described playing there as
“𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒍𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒂𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒓.”
Monterrey is slightly slower but will be the hottest venue of the entire tournament, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C and very little rain, creating dangerous conditions and potential heat waves.
Canada and Roofed US Stadiums Offer Relief
Canada hosts the most comfortable conditions. Vancouver and Toronto sit at low altitudes with mild temperatures and manageable rain levels. Meanwhile, 11 of the 12 US venues have roof coverings, allowing better temperature control. However, matches played in open stadiums during the afternoon—especially for European teams—could still be grueling.
Some coaches are already adjusting. England manager Thomas Tuchel has reportedly decided that substitutes will not sit in the dugout to prevent overheating. Instead, they will stay inside the stadium until needed.
Massive Travel Distances Create Added Pressure
- World Cup Travel distances also vary dramatically among teams:
- Cape Verde will travel the most—about 4,700 km.
- Uruguay follows with 4,500 km, and Scotland with 4,200 km.
- Norway, however, is extremely fortunate—they will travel only 350 km in total for the World Cup.
- Argentina also benefits from a mild schedule: first match in Kansas, then two in Dallas (only 742 km of travel).
- Brazil, meanwhile, will move from New York to Philadelphia and then take a long trip to Miami (a total of 2,050 km).
As coaches analyze the schedule, it’s clear that winning the 2026 World Cup will require overcoming off-field challenges as much as the rivals on the pitch.
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