Extreme heat at the World Cup: are FIFA’s safeguards enough?
On a midsummer day in Miami, temperatures can exceed 32°C with high humidity. In a full stadium of 65,000 fans, it can be several degrees hotter , posing a potential health risk to players. These are the conditions some teams will endure at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June-July, the hottest months across much of North America. FIFA has already acknowledged the risk, introducing cooling breaks in each half of all matches for the first time at a World Cup. But is this enough to
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place during North America's hottest months, with several host cities experiencing extreme heat and humidity that could endanger player safety. FIFA has introduced cooling breaks during matches for the first time, but experts question whether this measure adequately addresses the physiological demands of soccer in high-heat conditions. The challenge extends beyond air temperature alone, involving a combination of heat, humidity, solar radiation, and airflow that affects how players' bodies manage internal heat generated by intense physical exertion. Research from professional matches shows that elite athletes' core temperatures regularly exceed 39°C and sometimes reach 40°C, even when cooling breaks are implemented. Most venues will be open-air stadiums with limited cooling technology, and afternoon matches in cities like Miami, Dallas, and Houston are forecast to present particularly severe heat stress conditions.
As climate conditions intensify, understanding whether current safety protocols adequately protect athletes during major sporting events has significant implications for player health and the feasibility of hosting tournaments in increasingly hot regions.
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