Several national teams are reportedly exploring an unconventional approach to cope with the extreme heat expected at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, with plans to keep substitute players inside the dressing room during matches.
The proposal is aimed at reducing players’ exposure to high temperatures on the bench, which could significantly impact performance and recovery. Instead of remaining pitchside, substitutes would stay in the cooler environment of the dressing room until they are needed.
Under the suggested system, an assistant manager or member of the technical staff would periodically return to the dressing room to notify players when they are about to be introduced into the game. This would allow them to begin their warm-up routines at the appropriate time before heading to the touchline.
The idea reflects growing concerns among teams about player welfare, particularly in host cities where summer conditions are expected to be intense. With matches scheduled across different climatic zones in the USA, managing heat exposure has become a key logistical and medical priority.
While the approach is still under discussion and would likely require approval from tournament organizers, it highlights the extent to which teams are willing to innovate in order to maintain performance levels and protect player health on football’s biggest stage.
