The 2025 Club World Cup served as a crucial dress rehearsal for next year's expanded 48-team World Cup across North America. As the first major test of stadiums, logistics and fan engagement ahead of football's global showpiece, several key lessons emerged that FIFA must address before 2026.

Weather Woes Demand Smart Scheduling

The tournament exposed significant vulnerabilities to extreme weather conditions that could impact the World Cup. Record-breaking heatwaves saw temperatures reach 39°C (102°F) in New York, with humidity pushing heat indexes above 50°C (122°F). These conditions forced teams to modify training schedules and left players visibly struggling during matches.

Lightning storms caused six match delays ranging from 40 minutes to two hours under U.S. safety protocols that halt play when lightning is detected within 10 miles. The most dramatic interruption came in Chelsea's group match against Benfica, paused for nearly two hours with just four minutes remaining.

Key Takeaway: FIFA must implement heat mitigation strategies including:

• Avoiding midday kickoffs in open-air stadiums

• Maximizing use of venues with retractable roofs

• Developing clear extreme weather protocols

Attendance Challenges Reveal Marketing Needs

Fan turnout presented a mixed picture, with stark contrasts between marquee matches and less glamorous fixtures. While Chelsea's final against PSG drew 81,118 spectators, other matches attracted as few as 3,412 fans. Weekday afternoon kickoffs proved particularly problematic for attendance.

FIFA's dynamic pricing model also drew criticism when ticket prices for Chelsea's semifinal plummeted from £350 to under £10 in the final days before the match, alienating early purchasers.

Key Takeaway: For 2026 success, FIFA must:

• Schedule matches at fan-friendly times

• Develop more transparent pricing strategies

• Invest in grassroots marketing to build local interest

Transportation Infrastructure Requires Upgrades

The tournament highlighted significant transportation challenges that could plague the World Cup. At MetLife Stadium - site of the 2026 final - fans faced a 30-minute walk from the nearest train station in extreme heat. Miami's Hard Rock Stadium offered no viable public transit options, forcing lengthy post-match walks to rideshare pickup zones.

Key Takeaway: FIFA should work with host cities to:

• Implement free shuttle services for ticket holders

• Temporarily expand public transit options

• Improve wayfinding and fan comfort along access routes

Player Welfare Demands Better Conditions

Multiple managers raised concerns about playing surfaces, with some describing pitches as uneven and poorly maintained. The extreme conditions saw Juventus make 10 substitutions against Real Madrid due to heat stress, while Dortmund's bench watched part of a match from air-conditioned locker rooms to avoid heat exhaustion.

Key Takeaway: FIFA must ensure:

• World-class pitch maintenance at all venues

• Adequate cooling breaks and hydration protocols

• Proper acclimatization periods for all teams

The Path Forward to 2026

While the Club World Cup revealed significant challenges, it also provided FIFA with valuable insights to refine their 2026 plans. By addressing weather vulnerabilities, improving fan experience, upgrading transportation links and prioritizing player welfare, football's governing body can turn these lessons into opportunities to deliver an exceptional World Cup.

As Arsène Wenger noted, "This was an important test. Now we must make the necessary adjustments." The success of 2026 may well depend on how effectively FIFA implements these crucial lessons from the Club World Cup.