• Experts warn that one in four matches at the 2026 World Cup could be played in dangerous heat conditions.
• The likelihood of exceeding critical temperature thresholds has almost doubled since the 1994 World Cup.
• FIFA plans to implement cooling breaks and monitor heat conditions in real-time throughout the tournament.

New studies have raised alarms regarding the extreme heat risks players and fans might face during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Researchers from World Weather Attribution (WWA) have found that approximately 25% of the 104 matches could take place in conditions exceeding 26°C on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, nearly doubling the risk compared to the last World Cup held on the same continent in 1994. Up to five matches are expected to be played in conditions that could exceed 28°C, where postponements would be advised, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

The analysis highlights that athletes are at significant risk due to the combination of heat, humidity, and the physical demands of the game. FIFA's medical director, Vincent Gouttebarge, emphasized the importance of mitigation strategies to protect players' health as the likelihood of challenging conditions has greatly increased since 1994. “These estimations justify the need for a series of mitigation strategies,” stated Gouttebarge, reinforcing that FIFA is taking precautions, including hydration breaks during matches and enhancing medical readiness as conditions evolve Africanews and Al Jazeera.

Historically, the 1994 World Cup saw severe heat during matches in cities such as Dallas and Orlando. However, current predictions indicate a stark increase in risk, with the probability of exceeding dangerous heat thresholds rising significantly due to climate change. “The risk of dangerous heat has doubled,” noted Simon Stiell, executive secretary of UN Climate Change. This heightened concern is driving FIFA to implement thorough safety protocols for players and fans alike South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

The venues include cities prone to extreme heat, such as Miami, Atlanta, and Houston, where many games will be played in stadiums lacking adequate air conditioning. Thus, fans could suffer more than players due to prolonged exposure outdoors, particularly in high humidity, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Joyce Kimutai, a climate scientist, elaborated, “Fans could be people coming with different morbidities or different pre-existing conditions,” emphasizing the potential health risks Channel News Asia and Africanews.