Heat risks raise concerns over 2026 world cup match conditions

Football’s global players’ union FIFPRO has renewed concerns over extreme heat conditions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a scientific analysis warning that a significant number of matches could be played in potentially dangerous temperatures.

The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is expected to feature 104 matches. According to research by the climate group World Weather Attribution, around one-quarter of these games could take place in conditions exceeding safety thresholds recommended by FIFPRO, nearly double the risk recorded during the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

The analysis used the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which measures environmental heat stress on the human body. Scientists estimated that roughly five matches may occur in conditions considered unsafe, where postponement would normally be advised under medical guidelines.

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FIFPRO recommends implementing cooling measures when WBGT exceeds 26°C and suggests postponing matches above 28°C, which can correspond to significantly higher apparent temperatures depending on humidity levels.

FIFA has responded by stating that it has developed heat-risk mitigation strategies, including hydration breaks, cooling infrastructure, adjusted scheduling, and enhanced medical support systems to manage real-time conditions during matches.

Experts say that while elite athletes are generally adapted to high-performance conditions, extreme heat is likely to influence playing styles. Medical consultants noted that players may pace themselves more conservatively, potentially affecting the intensity and pace of matches.

The analysis also highlighted concerns for venues without full air-conditioning systems, including stadiums in cities such as Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Kansas City. Even the final venue at MetLife Stadium faces a measurable risk of exceeding recommended heat thresholds.

Climate scientists have suggested that future tournaments may need to be scheduled during cooler periods of the year to reduce health risks for players, officials, and fans attending matches and outdoor events.