Climate scientists said that extreme heat and humidity may endanger players and fans during the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. and Canada.
This environmental pressure threatens the physical safety of athletes and the integrity of the competition. If temperatures reach critical levels, FIFA may be forced to rethink the tournament calendar or alter the venues to avoid heat-related medical emergencies.
Research indicates that approximately 25% of 2026 World Cup matches could be played in very hot conditions [1]. These projections suggest that about a quarter of all scheduled matches are likely to occur amid heat and humidity levels that challenge the body's ability to cool itself [2]. Such conditions can degrade player performance and increase the risk of heatstroke.
Beyond steady heat, experts said there is a risk of thunderstorms and other weather extremes that could cause significant delays [3]. The combination of stifling heat and sudden storms creates a volatile environment for large-scale sporting events. This risk was highlighted during the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, which served as a recent preview of the challenges associated with high-temperature hosting [4].
Because of these rising global temperatures, there are growing calls for FIFA to update its heat-stress framework [3]. A revised framework would provide clearer guidelines on when to implement cooling breaks, or postpone matches, to ensure player safety. The current climate trajectory suggests that traditional scheduling may no longer be viable for summer tournaments in North America.
FIFA is now facing pressure to balance the logistical demands of a massive tournament with the biological limits of the athletes. The possibility of shifting dates or selecting cooler cities remains a primary consideration as the tournament approaches.
“Approximately 25% of 2026 World Cup matches could be played in very hot conditions”
The intersection of global warming and elite sports is forcing a transition from flexible guidelines to mandatory safety protocols. As the 2026 World Cup faces a significant percentage of high-risk matches, FIFA's response will likely set a precedent for how all major international sporting events are scheduled and hosted in a warming climate.
