Americans Found Out What Time the World Cup Final Will Be on Next Summer. We Aren’t Happy

In a year from now, the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup will be in full swing. For the first time ever, there will be three host nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico. So, in a way, football fans are in uncharted waters when it comes to the logistics of a tournament being played over such a vast stretch of land in three distinct countries. But that’s not the only obstacle that seems to have been identified.

In the wake of the World Cup Final’s kickoff time being listed as 3 PM (EST), many have already speculated that the remainder of the tournament could start at similar times. The ongoing FIFA Club World Cup has certainly brought this issue to light. Despite being held on North American soil, match times have largely been in the afternoon, even during weekdays when the typical American is at work, seemingly to cater to the European fan (who is no earlier than 5 hours ahead of the American east coast). And with the actual World Cup less than a year away from its commencement, speculation has run rampant on whether or not the tournament will follow the same conventions.

Predictably, Americans — as well as those passionate about the integrity of the sport — aren’t happy about that prospect.

World Cup Matches Should Start At Reasonable Times In The United Stated

Anyone familiar with international sports knows that fans of that sport will often go out of their way to watch it, even when times aren’t ideal. Formula 1 is a great example. The most prestigious racing series in the world goes all over the world, putting on races, and always does them at times that are reasonable for wherever they are. And the world follows suit. If you’re in America and want to watch the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, you’d best be ready to do so at the wee hours of the night.

The World Cup is no different. Not only is it the most popular sport in the world, but people will bend their schedule to watch the games should they wish to do so.

But don’t take it from me. Here’s what Rory Smith — a British journalist who covers football — thinks of it.

“It’s a tournament… in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Commit to it,” Smith said while a guest on the Men in Blazers Podcast. “Stop trying to appeal to Europeans. Europeans will stay up and watch if the games are good. Play it to American times.”

I’m biased because I’m American. But I agree! What’s the point of winning a bid to host a massive sporting tournament if you’re not going to play it on your terms? It’s not like Qatar didn’t have matches that were catered to the sensibilities of the locals. Yes, group stage matches took place throughout the day and evening. In order to accommodate so many matches, that’s inevitable. But once the knockout stage began, matches were played at both 6 and 9 PM local time. And everybody else conformed to it.

In America, it should be no different. And if you don’t like it? Well, win a bid to host it, and you can play it on whatever terms you’d like.