Heat risks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are a growing concern, as scientists warn that soaring temperatures across North America could affect players, fans, referees, and volunteers. The 2026 tournament will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, expanding to 48 teams and 104 matches, but the summer schedule is now under fresh climate scrutiny.
An analysis by climate research group World Weather Attribution found that roughly one quarter of the 104 matches may be played in heat conditions exceeding safety limits recommended by the global players’ union FIFPRO. Researchers also warned that around five matches could face conditions severe enough for postponement to be advised.
Why Scientists Are Worried
Researchers used kickoff schedules and the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index, which measures heat stress by combining temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation. The study says the probability of dangerous heat is now nearly double what it was during the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
FIFPRO recommends mandatory cooling measures when WBGT crosses 26°C and says matches should be postponed when it exceeds 28°C. These thresholds are especially important because footballers are exposed to high-intensity running, direct sunlight, and limited recovery time during matches.
Key Heat Risk Data
Indicator |
Data |
|---|---|
Tournament host countries |
United States, Mexico, Canada |
Total teams |
48 |
Total matches |
104 |
Matches likely to exceed safety thresholds |
Nearly 25% |
Matches that may warrant postponement |
Around 5 |
FIFPRO cooling threshold |
WBGT above 26°C |
FIFPRO postponement threshold |
WBGT above 28°C |
Equivalent heat stress |
About 38°C dry heat or 30°C high humidity |
Final venue |
MetLife Stadium, New Jersey |
Final risk above 26°C WBGT |
1 in 8 chance |
Final risk of more dangerous heat |
Around 3% |
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What FIFA Plans to Do
- Hydration breaks: FIFA says it has planned three-minute hydration breaks in each half of matches.
- Cooling infrastructure: Cooling systems will be arranged for players and fans where possible.
- Medical readiness: Enhanced medical protocols will be linked to real-time weather conditions.
- Work-rest planning: Staff, volunteers, and match workers may follow adjusted work-rest cycles during extreme heat.
- Venue differences: Air-conditioned stadiums in cities such as Dallas and Houston may reduce some risk, but open venues remain more exposed.
Fans May Also Face Serious Exposure
The concern is not limited to players on the pitch. Fans travelling between venues, standing in queues, gathering in outdoor fan zones, or attending matches in non-air-conditioned stadiums may face prolonged heat exposure. The analysis flags cities such as Miami, Kansas City, New York, and Philadelphia among venues without air-conditioned stadiums that could face elevated heat risk.
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Could Heat Change the Football?
Experts say extreme heat may affect the way matches are played. Chris Mullington of Imperial College London said players may self-pace to manage body temperature, which could result in more conservative football. Climate scientist Friederike Otto also suggested that future World Cups may need to be scheduled earlier or later in the year to reduce health risks.
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Final Takeaway
The study makes one thing clear: climate change is no longer just a background issue for global sport. Heat risks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could affect match quality, player welfare, and fan safety, forcing organizers to treat extreme heat as a central part of tournament planning.
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