Climate scientists warn 25% of 2026 World Cup matches face extreme heat risks
World Weather Attribution data indicates significant heat stress potential for players and fans, with more than a third of high-risk games scheduled for venues without air conditioning.
Climate experts have warned that approximately 25% of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be played in very hot conditions, posing significant risks to player health and spectator comfort. According to data from World Weather Attribution, 26 of the 104 scheduled matches could reach a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature of at least 26C, with five games expected to exceed 28C. Venues in Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Mexico are identified as particularly prone to extreme heat, where daytime temperatures are projected to average 28C.
While stadiums in Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta feature air conditioning, the infrastructure gap remains a concern for tournament organisers. More than a third of the games with a one-in-ten chance of exceeding 26C WBGT will be played in venues without cooling systems. Al Jazeera weather presenter Everton Fox noted that the 2026 tournament could be the hottest on record since the competition began in 1930, driven by a sharp rise in global temperatures.
FIFA has implemented heat-risk planning measures to address these conditions, including three-minute hydration breaks in each half, adjusted kickoff times to avoid peak afternoon heat, and enhanced medical readiness that scales according to real-time conditions. However, experts suggest these measures may require further adjustment. Fox indicated that while hydration breaks are necessary, their duration might need to be extended to gain full physiological benefit, though this risks disrupting the flow of play.
The physical impact of heat stress is a primary concern for elite athletes. Physical performance coach Raiyan Abbasi explained that excessive sweating in high humidity and solar radiation can lead to dehydration, cramps, and increased fatigue, making it harder for the body to cool itself. Recent training sessions have already highlighted these challenges, with social media reports showing European players, including Norway’s team, using ice collars to manage body temperature during a friendly against Morocco.
Despite the warnings, some team leadership remains confident in their preparation. England captain Harry Kane dismissed concerns about heat affecting performance, stating it would not be a factor due to his team’s rigorous training regimen. Abbasi added that while teams from hotter climates may have an acclimatisation advantage, heat can also be leveraged positively to improve athletic capabilities through physiological adaptations. The tournament is scheduled during the European domestic off-season, coinciding with the US summer, a timing choice driven by weather and local sports interests.
