World Cup 2014 News: FIFA Adjusts Starting Times For 7 Games In Hottest Brazil Venues

FIFA has announced today, Sat. Dec. 7, that it has switched the starting times of seven World Cup matches, to avoid extremely hot temperatures that might affect the players' health and well-being as well as the fans. Although the schedule had been decided two years ago, they hadn't taken into consideration the high temperatures of the different Brazilian cities where the matches will be held next summer. "In total, only seven matches have been adjusted following the draw to allow later kick-off times in the hottest venues - in particular, for three matches in Manaus and one in Recife," read a statement on the FIFA web page.

• The following is the list with the changes according to FIFA in Brazil time:
• -
• Saturday, June 14
  
• Côte d'Ivoire-Japan, 10:00 p.m. (from 7:00 p.m.) in Recife
• England-Italy, 6:00 p.m. (from 9:00 p.m.) in Manaus (similar conditions as at 9:00 p.m.)
• -
• Wednesday, June 18
  
• Cameroon-Croatia, 6:00 p.m. (from 3:00 p.m.) in Manaus
• Spain-Chile, 4:00 p.m. (from 7:00 p.m.) in Rio de Janeiro
• -
• Sunday, June 22
• USA-Portugal, 6:00 p.m. (from 3:00 p.m.) in Manaus
• Belgium-Russia, 1:00 p.m. (from 7:00 p.m.) in Rio de Janeiro
• Korea Republic-Algeria, 4:00 p.m. (from 1:00 p.m.) in Porto Alegre