Several latest climate studies indicate that the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, set to kick off on Thursday in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, may face challenges of extreme high temperatures, humidity, and thunderstorms. Climate experts warn that high temperatures could not only affect players’ performance and health but also pose safety risks to hundreds of thousands of fans.
According to a report by Reuters on Wednesday, the latest analysis released by the World Weather Attribution, an alliance of top international scientists, shows that about a quarter of the 104 matches in this edition of the World Cup may take place under weather conditions that exceed the safety standards recommended by the International Federation of Professional Footballers’ Associations.
Researchers emphasize that the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature, which integrates factors such as temperature, humidity, sunlight, and wind speed, is a crucial indicator for assessing risks, as it better reflects the heat stress that the human body can endure.
Chris Minson, a professor at the University of Oregon’s Laboratory of Exercise and Environmental Physiology, points out that professional athletes already generate a significant amount of heat during matches, and high temperatures and humidity can hinder the body’s ability to dissipate heat, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion.
A study by the Climate Central research institute also indicates that climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of high temperatures affecting athletic performance in 97 matches. Nearly half of the games have at least a 50% chance of experiencing temperatures exceeding 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees Fahrenheit), which are known to impact athletes’ speed, endurance, and recovery.
Climate research identifies cities such as Dallas, Houston, Miami, Kansas City, and Atlanta as facing the most severe risks of high temperatures in the near future.
Additionally, Mexico City, situated at an altitude of approximately 2240 meters, may pose extra pressure on players from lower-altitude regions due to its highland environment.
The World Weather Attribution organization notes that since the last World Cup held in the United States in 1994, global temperatures have continued to rise, with the risk of high temperatures doubling in some host cities.
Experts suggest that climate change is presenting increasingly significant health threats to large summer sports events.
Compared to players with professional medical and cooling provisions, fans may face greater risks.
Many spectators will need to spend long periods outdoors at stadiums, fan zones, and public viewing areas, including elderly individuals and those with underlying conditions like cardiovascular diseases.
Chris Millington, a senior lecturer at Imperial College London, warns that prolonged exposure to high-temperature environments can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and even life-threatening situations.
In response to external concerns, FIFA has taken measures, including arranging three-minute hydration breaks at the end of each half of all matches and establishing a Heat Illness Prevention and Management task force to improve high-temperature alerts and medical response mechanisms.
Furthermore, multiple venues will be equipped with retractable roofs, air conditioning systems, and cooling facilities. Organizers will also provide fans with hydration stations, misting devices for cooling, and shaded areas.
Nevertheless, several scientists urge FIFA to further adjust high-temperature protocols and, if necessary, consider delaying match times to ensure the safety of players and fans.