Climate Experts Raise Concerns Over Dangerous Heat at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Scientists are warning that extreme heat linked to climate change could pose serious risks during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with around a quarter of all matches expected to be played in very hot conditions.

The tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada between June 11 and July 19, is already prompting safety concerns for players and supporters.

FIFA has introduced mandatory cooling breaks in every half of matches because of the anticipated temperatures.

A report released by World Weather Attribution found that climate change has increased the risk of dangerous heat in North America compared to when the United States hosted the World Cup in 1994.

“Players and fans face a much higher risk of gruelling heat and humidity at the 2026 World Cup compared to the 1994 tournament on the same continent,” the researchers said.

The study predicts that 26 of the tournament’s 104 games could reach at least 26C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a key measure used to evaluate heat stress on the human body.

At 26C WBGT, FIFPRO advises that cooling breaks become necessary because of the strain on athletes.

Researchers noted that 17 of those games will take place in stadiums fitted with cooling technology, helping reduce risks.

By comparison, scientists estimate only 21 games during the 1994 World Cup would have crossed the same heat threshold.

Even more concerning, five matches are projected to face temperatures of 28C WBGT or higher — levels at which FIFPRO recommends delaying or postponing games until conditions improve.

Climate experts say the likelihood of those dangerous conditions has almost doubled since 1994.

Friederike Otto warned that spectators may face even greater dangers than players.

“It’s dangerous for players, but of course there are also the fans who might gather outdoors and they are at even more risk because they will not be taken care of by a lot of medical doctors,” Otto said.

Only three venues — Dallas, Houston and Atlanta — have fully air-conditioned stadiums.

Scientists also highlighted concerns that more than one-third of the matches with a notable risk of exceeding safe heat levels will still be played in venues without air conditioning.

The World Cup final at MetLife Stadium could also be affected.

According to the study, the final carries a one in eight chance of reaching 26C WBGT conditions and a 2.7 percent chance of hitting the “cancellation-level” 28C threshold.

“That the World Cup Final itself — one of the biggest sporting occasions on the planet — faces a non-insignificant risk of being played in ‘cancellation-level’ heat should be a wake-up call for FIFA and fans,” Otto added.

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