World Cup: France tops list of most fatigued teams due to packed schedule

As the 2026 World Cup kicks off, concerns are mounting over player fatigue, with a new ranking highlighting the immense physical toll on national teams. France tops the list of the 10 most exhausted squads, according to a compilation by the British media outlet BBC.

The ranking, which tracks the cumulative playing time of national team players for both their clubs and countries since June 15 of the previous year, places Portugal and England second and third, respectively. The extensive schedules of top-tier club competitions, including the five major European leagues and the Champions League, combined with an expanded Club World Cup, mean elite players are almost constantly in action.

Many national team players have surpassed 55 official matches in the past season alone, with some approaching 70. This grueling schedule places significant physical stress on athletes. Traditional powerhouses like Spain, Brazil, and Germany also feature prominently on the list, underscoring the widespread nature of this issue.

The ability of teams to maintain peak physical condition after such a demanding season will be a critical factor in determining the World Cup's outcome. For favorites such as France, Portugal, and England, the challenge for coaching staff will be to effectively manage player energy levels and mitigate the risk of injuries. The BBC's ranking of total minutes played over the past year is as follows: France (98,895 minutes), Portugal (96,405), England (94,403), Germany (92,642), Brazil (92,175), Spain (90,396), Argentina (87,233), Belgium (84,924), Netherlands (80,555), and Morocco (73,680).

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The players' excessive fatigue has become a focus of attention.