Football is often described as a simple game – 22 players, one ball, and 90 minutes. But those who have ever played or watched the sport will have felt how weather and climate can transform a routine affair into a tactical and physical examination. Whether it’s the cold bite of an English winter’s night, or the hot and humid afternoons of Qatar, the environment puts a major stamp on the way teams play, players perform, and the ball rolls.
We examine how climate and weather conditions work together to impact and influence football matches – and how understanding those factors is important to the modern game.
1. Temperature and Player Performance
Heat and Humidity
High temperatures and humidity can quickly deplete players’ energy. Games played in hot climates, such as the 2014 World Cup in Brazil or 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted the effects of extreme heat on pace and tactics.
In hot weather, players are more quickly dehydrated and fatigued, with longer reaction times and increased cramping. FIFA introduced mandatory water breaks for games with a specific temperature range as a result of this. Coaches often alter their game plan in hot conditions by slowing down the tempo, minimizing high pressing, and rotating players frequently while emphasizing ball control.
Cold Weather
On the other hand, cold conditions can impact players’ muscles and injury rates and even limit players’ control of the ball. On frozen pitches, players have difficulty maintaining balance which usually limits teams’ ability to play with long passes. It is critical to have breathable but insulated kits and warm up thoroughly before the game.
Clubs that are used to playing in cooler climates such as Manchester United, Celtic, or Bayern Munich will train regularly in the cold to build an edge and help familiarize players to cold weather.
2. Rain and Condition of the Pitch
The weather factor that has the most obvious impact on football is rain. Wet pitches change everything—from how the ball travels, to tackling players.
- Faster pitch, unpredictable ball: Wet pitches create slick surfaces where the ball glides, which becomes difficult to speed up or slow down during passing or shooting. Teams that depend on precise ball control and short passing (Barcelona/Arsenal) tend to experience a loss of rhythm.
- Tackling and sliding: Defenders can exploit the slippery turf to produce a more effective slide tackle while also being able to slide tackle with a greater danger of a foul or injury.
- Goalkeeping issues: Wet balls are difficult to grip, which leads to spills, drops, and mistakes in front of goal. Goalkeepers have gloves that are supposed to grip better in the rain, but they often result in mistakes in wet conditions.
Some managers modify their approach in a wet game by adopting a style that is more aerial and utilizing set-pieces, knowing it will be harder for the defending and goalkeeping when wet.
3. Wind and Ball Control
Winds of any sort will make anything you call ‘’a long pass’’ a guessing game. Strong gusts can produce an erratic trajectory, a ball that will dip and rise unexpectedly, completely unpredicted crosses or shots.
- Forwards and wingers have a hard time judging a through ball.
- A goalkeeper may see his long clearance swirl or hold up in the air.
- Corner kicks and free kicks suddenly become action items – a strong wind could turn the cross into a scoring opportunity but ultimately could be the opposite.
Tactically, teams often adjust, keeping the ball on the ground, and avoiding the risk of a long ball. This allows managers and players who have a good game plan, like Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp, to adapt quickly, promoting a game of possession, and movement rather than direct.
4. Elevation and Air Quality
Playing soccer in high-altitude locations, such as La Paz, Bolivia (3,600m or about 11,811 ft) has a dramatic impact on matches played in those environments. When the air is less dense, there is less oxygen available to players, thus affecting their endurance and stamina. Additionally, the ball will travel faster and farther with less resistance from the air, which alters the passing and shooting dynamic.
Visiting teams are often not accustomed to those playing conditions and can struggle. This is why visiting teams are used to arriving shortly before their matches take place, in order to maximize the limited time they may have to fly to a different country and limit time for acclimation.
The same principles apply to poor air quality that is a result of pollution or other factors, such as wildfires or industrial equipment. Poor air quality can impact breathing and affect an individual’s focus and concentration. There are examples of leagues postponing matches because of air quality concerns.
5. Climate Change and Future Football
As temperatures continue to rise around the globe, the sport of football is adjusting. Sports governing bodies will continue to consider how to change match calendars, stadium architecture, and ensure players stay hydrated. For instance, the 2022 World Cup was relocated to winter months – partially to avoid the excess heat of the summer. Clubs are now investing in advanced pitch technology – deeply-heated sub-soil, artificial turf, etc. – to allow them to play throughout the year without being impacted by weather. Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is also a sporting issue. Managing the challenges posed by extreme weather will help ensure that football remains fast, fair, and safe in the decades ahead.
Closing Remarks
While weather and climate may seem incidental, for the activity of football, they are part of the game. Whether heavy rain changes tactics, or high temperatures are a good reason for hydration breaks, the external environment can dictate match results and observations.
As the world’s most global sport, football will survive — demonstrating that all weather conditions will have a place for the beautiful game.