Concerns Raised Over Heat Risks for 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches
A recent study has revealed that up to 25% of matches in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup may be played in weather conditions reaching a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) of 26°C or higher. This new finding has sparked worries about extreme heat and the safety of players during the tournament.
The analysis indicates that around five matches could take place under even more severe conditions, with WBGT levels soaring to 28°C or above. This is equivalent to about 38°C in dry heat or 30°C in high humidity, a situation deemed unsafe for players according to the global players’ union, FIFPRO, which recommends postponing matches in such circumstances.
Wet-bulb temperature blends heat and humidity levels to show how well the human body can cool itself through sweating. Experts warn that a wet-bulb temperature between 31 to 35°C can be dangerous and potentially fatal depending on how long a person is exposed to it.
To avoid extreme heat during the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar, the tournament was shifted to November and December—its first occurrence outside the traditional summer months. Following this event, several energy-efficient cooling systems were introduced.
The study highlights that the risk of such extreme heat conditions has almost doubled since the 1994 World Cup due to climate change, according to the World Weather Attribution (WWA), a group of climate scientists.
While some stadiums will have cooling systems, over a third of the matches classified as high-risk are set to occur in venues without air conditioning, including cities like Miami, Kansas City, New York/New Jersey, and Philadelphia.
The findings suggest that both players and fans will face increased risks from heat and humidity at the 2026 World Cup compared to the 1994 tournament. Researchers analyzed the timing of the matches to assess the likelihood of conditions surpassing safety guidelines put forth by FIFPRO.
Approximately 18 of the total games are scheduled in open-air stadiums, with at least a 10% chance of WBGT levels exceeding the safe limit during play. This includes key matches like the final and quarter-finals.
FIFPRO’s medical director, Vincent Gouttebarge, noted that the estimates match FIFPRO’s earlier findings, underlining the need for proactive strategies to protect athlete health in hot conditions.
Professor Friederike Otto, from Imperial College London, commented on how climate change is influencing the feasibility of hosting World Cups in the summer months. She pointed out that the 1994 event may feel relatively recent, yet significant climatic shifts have occurred since then.
She emphasized that the potential for the World Cup Final to be played in dangerous heat should serve as a wake-up call for FIFA and its supporters about the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change on all facets of society.
Chris Mullington, a consultant at Imperial College, stressed the importance of understanding heat’s effects beyond just air temperature. He explained that humidity significantly hinders the body’s ability to cool off through sweating, making WBGT a vital measure for assessing heat risk.
In response to these findings, Simon Stiell remarked on the necessity of accelerating efforts to protect the sport and its fans, advocating for a greater shift towards clean energy solutions.
