How hot will it be in Qatar and how will teams deal with the heat?

The FIFA is taking place for the first time in winter to avoid the sweltering heat during the Qatari summer months.

But despite this huge change to the tournament, to should still expect warm conditions in the Middle Eastern country.

So, what will the temperature be in – and how will teams beat the heat?

Metro.co.uk is on hand to give you a weather forecast for November and December in Qatar.

What temperature will it be in Qatar during the World Cup?

According to , the maximum temperature in November in the capital Doha is 30°C, with a minimum of 20°C.

This falls to a maximum of 25°C and a minimum of 16°C for December.

The temperature for the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador will be around 26°C, even with kick-off at 7pm local time in Al Khor.

Players can expect humidity to be between 60% and 70% during November and December, which is higher than the average for the rest of year in Qatar.

During the height of the Qatari summer in June and July when the World Cup is typically played, temperatures average 37°C which has been deemed unsuitable weather for football matches to take place.

How will teams deal with the heat?

To combat the heat and humidity in Qatar, state-of-the-art air conditioning units have been built into stadiums at pitch level to ensure a cool flow of air around players whilst they compete.

Drinks breaks midway through each half could also be introduced to help players deal with the weather conditions.

Managers will also be allowed to make five substitutions during matches, meaning that player workload should be less throughout the tournament.

In the build up to , Gareth Southgate has scheduled training sessions to take place in the morning to avoid the peak heat in the afternoon.

Although the Iranian match will be at 4pm local time, their final two group games against USA and Wales will kick-off at 10pm which is well after sunset.

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