FIFA to implement World Cup 2026 rule change - here's how it will affect Scotland

Football’s governing body, FIFA, will implement a new rule at next summer’s World Cup aimed at combating soaring temperatures in host countries, the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Set to begin on June 11, the draw for the competition was made last Friday and placed Scotland in Group C of the tournament. Fixtures against Haiti and Morocco confirmed to take place in Boston, Massachusetts, with their final group game against Brazil taking place in Miami, Florida.

Taking place across 16 host cities, FIFA has now confirmed that match officials will stop each World Cup game at the 22-minute mark in order for players to take refreshments after heat and humidity were said to have affected players during games at the FIFA Club World Cup, which was held throughout the United States in the summer.

The Gillette Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts, where Scotland play their first two Group C games at the World Cup next summer. | Getty Images

However, the rule is scheduled to be implemented regardless of the temperature, host city, or whether the stadium has a roof and air conditioning, with FIFA revealing the rule will be mandatory in order to prioritise player welfare.

FIFA’s chief tournament officer for the 2026 World Cup, Manolo Zubiria, said the move is a "streamlined and simplified version" of an earlier rule that saw breaks allowed after 30 minutes over a certain temperature threshold. He also indicated that referees and match officials will have some flexibility if there's a stoppage shortly before the 22-minute mark, due to an injury, for example. "This will be addressed on the spot with the referee," Zubiria added.

Scotland World Cup 2026 fixtures

• June 13 2026: Scotland vs Haiti - Gillette Stadium, Boston, Massachusetts (kick-off: 2am (14/6) UK time)
• June 19 2026: Scotland vs Morocco - Gillette Stadium, Boston, Massachusetts (kick-off: 11pm UK time)
• June 24 2026: Scotland vs Brazil - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida (kick-off: 11pm UK time)

What is the temperature like in Boston during summer?

Boston typically enjoys their warmest months of the year from June through August. Temperatures between 70–80°F (21–27°C) are expected during the day, though it cools to around 58–65°F (14–18°C) at night. However, the humidity levels can soar during this period of the year, with a classic humid continental climate influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Average relative humidity in the summer mornings is often 70–85%, dropping to 50–65% in the afternoons on sunny days, meaning fans should expect the weather to be muggy throughout the time Scotland play their group fixtures at the Gillette Stadium. Shorts and breathable, lightweight fabrics are recommended for fans heading to the city to see the national team play.

Scotland have been drawn against Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti at next summer's World Cup, set to begin in June 2026. | AFP via Getty Images

What is the temperature like in Miami during summer?

Summer in Miami, Florida, can feel like stepping into a hot, wet towel during the summer months, such is the city’s classic mix of tropical weather - it is hot, humid, and steamy. Temperatures will hit as high as 89–93 °F (32–34 °C) almost daily, and will rarely drop below 78–80 °F (26–27 °C) even at night.

As attested to earlier, the humidity levels rocket in Miami during the summer, with a consistent rate of around 70–85 % during the day, increasing to about 90–100 % at night and early morning. June is also the beginning of Miami’s rainy season, which means intense daily afternoon thunderstorms can be expected. However, August and September are the wettest months, meaning Scotland fans are likely to miss the worst of it. Afternoon pool dives, combined with a lot of cold drinks, are heavily recommended.

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