6 min read ANY REAL SOCCER fan knows that what it takes to win goes far beyond the 90-minute match. How players prepare and recover is as essential as training and strategy. Extreme heat is expected to play a major role in players’ performance in the 2026 World Cup —about 1 in 4 matches is predicted to be played under sweltering temperatures that are above the recommended safety limits for gameplay. With the threat of heat illness and the other factors that come with playing a World Cup with more teams, more matches, and more traveling, the work being done behind the scenes is even more paramount to success on the field. We caught up with team doctors to find out how they’re prepping athletes to deal with this year’s stressors. 4 Essentials for Soccer Success this Year 1. Recovery, Recovery, Recovery SINCE BETTER PLAY comes from better recovery, game prep starts 24 to 48 hours before a match.…