Fans expressed significant dissatisfaction with the scheduled kickoff times for the North American World Cup semifinals, with two crucial matches set to begin on weekday afternoons. The France-Spain semifinal is scheduled for 3 p.m. EST on Tuesday in suburban Dallas, followed by England-Argentina at the same time on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Many American supporters took to social media to voice their objections, with comments describing the 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. start times as 'ridiculous' and 'dumb.' For fans on the West Coast, these times translate to mid-morning kickoffs, further complicating viewing opportunities. While the European counterparts of the participating teams will be watching during their prime time evening hours, American viewers face the challenge of weekday afternoon schedules.
Beyond the scheduling inconvenience, concerns were raised about the environmental conditions for the Dallas match. Temperatures in the Dallas area were expected to reach the high 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius) during the afternoon kickoff, increasing the risk of heat-related issues for players. The Atlanta semifinal, however, will be played in the climate-controlled Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Some fans, however, defended the early start times, noting that they align with prime time in Europe, which is considered a significant market for the tournament. Others suggested that afternoon games could be beneficial for families to watch together, assuming work schedules permit.
Traffic patterns were also a point of discussion. While the early afternoon start might help attendees avoid rush hour on their way to the venues, it could exacerbate post-game congestion. Some commenters sarcastically suggested that the timing would be appreciated by drivers in cities known for heavy traffic.
The prevailing sentiment among many American fans was a desire for a later kickoff, similar to the NFL's Super Bowl strategy, which typically starts at 6:30 p.m. EST. This time, proponents argued, would accommodate viewers across the Americas more effectively, even if it meant late-night viewing for European audiences.
