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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, researchers warn that one in four matches could be played in extreme heat, reflecting the intensified risks associated with climate change since the tournament last occurred on American soil in 1994. This alarming forecast has prompted FIFA to implement cooling breaks during each half of the matches to safeguard both players and fans.
Rising Temperatures and Increasing Risks
The climate science network World Weather Attribution has released findings indicating that players and audiences will experience significantly heightened exposure to extreme heat and oppressive humidity during the upcoming World Cup compared to previous editions. According to their analyses, approximately 26 out of the 104 matches scheduled between June 11 and July 19 may see “wet-bulb globe temperatures” reach at least 26 degrees Celsius, a crucial threshold that impacts the human body’s ability to cool itself.
At this level of heat and humidity, FIFA’s professional players’ union, FIFPro, recommends implementing cooling breaks, as the risks of heat stress become increasingly acute. Among those predicted 26 matches, 17 will take place in stadiums equipped with cooling systems, which could mitigate some of the dangers for players and fans alike.
Comparing Past and Future Events
In stark contrast, during the 1994 World Cup, a mere 21 matches were anticipated to encounter similar temperature thresholds—an indication of how climate concerns have intensified in just over two decades. Furthermore, forecasts suggest that five matches might experience conditions exceeding 28 degrees Celsius, a situation that, according to FIFPro, could necessitate postponements to ensure player and spectator safety. This alarming trend indicates nearly double the risk compared to the 1994 tournament.
Frederic Otto, co-founder of World Weather Attribution and a climate science professor at Imperial College London, emphasizes that the dangers are not confined to players; spectators outdoors will also face substantial risks, lacking adequate medical support during such events.
Infrastructure Challenges Ahead
Despite these warnings, only three out of the 16 venues—located in Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta—are equipped with air conditioning. More than one-third of the matches projected to exceed a 26-degree Celsius threshold will occur in stadiums without cooling systems. The likelihood of the final match on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey facing similar conditions stands at one in eight, with a 2.7% chance of surpassing 28 degrees Celsius.
As Otto succinctly states, “The fact that the World Cup final—a marquee sporting event—faces a considerable risk of being played in dangerously high temperatures should serve as a wakeup call for FIFA and fans alike.”
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FIFA World Cup 2026, climate change, extreme heat, cooling breaks, World Weather Attribution, player safety, sports infrastructure
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Researchers warn about extreme heat risks for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting FIFA to implement cooling breaks for player and spectator safety.
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With the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming, could extreme heat put the tournament at risk? Experts are sounding the alarm.
