Scientists and climate experts have issued a strong warning to football’s governing body, FIFA, over the growing danger of extreme heat during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cautioning that many matches could be played under conditions that may pose serious health risks to players, officials, and spectators.
The concern comes as preparations continue for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded competition will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities, making it the largest edition in FIFA World Cup history.
Researchers say the combination of an expanded tournament schedule and increasingly severe summer temperatures across North America could create challenging and potentially unsafe playing conditions in several host cities.
According to findings published by climate scientists, approximately one in every four matches scheduled for the tournament could be played under heat conditions that exceed established safety thresholds used in professional sport. The report highlights that climate change has significantly increased the likelihood and intensity of heatwaves compared to previous decades.
The study further notes that cities such as Miami, Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, and Philadelphia are among the locations most at risk of experiencing extreme heat conditions during matchdays, particularly during afternoon kick-off times when temperatures and humidity levels are at their highest.
Researchers relied on a scientific measurement known as the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature to assess environmental heat stress. This index is widely used in sports science to determine how effectively the human body can regulate temperature under hot and humid conditions.
When Wet Bulb Globe Temperature levels rise above critical thresholds, the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating becomes less effective, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Scientists warn that in such conditions, even elite professional athletes can experience reduced performance and heightened health risks.
The research suggests that at least five matches during the tournament could reach heat stress levels where postponement or rescheduling would normally be recommended under international player safety guidelines.
In response to these findings, the global players’ union FIFPRO has backed calls for stronger safeguards, urging football authorities to adopt more aggressive heat mitigation strategies. These include mandatory cooling breaks during matches, improved hydration protocols, and more flexible scheduling to avoid peak temperature periods.
FIFPRO also stressed the importance of prioritising player welfare over commercial and broadcasting considerations, noting that extreme heat conditions not only affect performance but also increase the likelihood of injury and long term health complications.
FIFA, for its part, has acknowledged the risks associated with rising global temperatures and has stated that it is working closely with medical experts, meteorological agencies, and host city authorities to manage environmental challenges during the tournament.
The governing body has already outlined several mitigation measures, including cooling breaks during matches, enhanced medical support at stadiums, shaded recovery areas for players, and the use of climate controlled facilities in selected venues where available.
However, climate researchers argue that while these measures may reduce some risks, they are unlikely to fully eliminate the dangers posed by extreme heat, particularly in open air stadiums where environmental conditions cannot be fully controlled.
The study also raises concerns about the impact on fans, match officials, and stadium workers, many of whom may be exposed to prolonged heat during outdoor events. Experts warn that large crowds gathering in high temperature environments could increase the likelihood of heat related illnesses if adequate precautions are not taken.
Additional analysis suggests that nearly 90 percent of stadiums selected for the 2026 World Cup could experience potentially dangerous heat conditions at certain points during the tournament schedule. This has raised broader concerns about match timing, stadium readiness, and emergency response planning.
Scientists note that climate conditions in many of the host cities have already shown a steady upward trend in average summer temperatures over the past decade, reflecting wider global climate change patterns that are increasingly affecting major sporting events worldwide.
While the United States hosted the World Cup previously in 1994, researchers point out that the climate conditions expected in 2026 will be significantly hotter and more humid in several key locations, making the upcoming tournament far more challenging from a health and safety perspective.
Despite the warnings, FIFA has maintained that it remains confident in its planning and preparation efforts. The organisation has stated that it is prioritising safety and is actively working with experts to develop scheduling solutions and medical protocols that will protect all participants.
FIFA has also indicated that match scheduling, including kick-off times, will play a crucial role in reducing heat exposure risks. Evening fixtures and adjusted daytime matches are expected to be key strategies in managing environmental conditions during the tournament.
Sports scientists and football analysts have suggested that the 2026 World Cup may serve as a turning point in how major sporting events are organised in response to climate change. Some have proposed that future tournaments in hotter regions may need to avoid traditional summer schedules entirely or adopt more widespread use of fully covered stadiums.
There is also growing discussion within the sports science community about the need for long term adaptation strategies, including revised competition calendars, improved stadium infrastructure, and enhanced player monitoring systems to prevent heat related health emergencies.
As anticipation builds ahead of the tournament, pressure is mounting on FIFA to ensure that environmental risks are not only acknowledged but effectively addressed through practical and enforceable measures.
For now, scientists continue to urge immediate and coordinated action, warning that without stronger interventions, the 2026 FIFA World Cup could become one of the most physically demanding and environmentally challenging tournaments in modern football history.
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