Norway midfielder Morten Thorsby signed an open letter urging FIFA to strengthen heat-safety protocols for the 2026 [1] World Cup.
The move highlights growing concerns among athletes regarding the physical risks of competing in extreme temperatures. Because the tournament will be staged across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada [2], players fear that inadequate protections could endanger health and degrade the quality of the competition.
Thorsby joined a group of players calling for more robust measures to mitigate the effects of high heat on the pitch. The petition argues that current plans may not be sufficient to handle the environmental conditions expected during the summer months in North America [3].
"Everybody in football loses if FIFA does not do more to protect players from extreme heat at the World Cup," Thorsby said [4].
The push for safety comes as athletes emphasize that extreme heat can lead to severe dehydration and heat-related illnesses. By signing the petition, Thorsby and his peers are seeking a formal commitment from the governing body to prioritize player welfare over scheduling convenience [5].
FIFA has not yet detailed the specific revisions requested by the players, but the pressure from active professionals adds urgency to the safety debate. The athletes maintain that stronger protocols are necessary to ensure the tournament remains a fair and safe environment for all participants [3].
“"Everybody in football loses if FIFA does not do more to protect players from extreme heat at the World Cup."”
This initiative reflects a broader trend of athletes using their collective leverage to influence tournament logistics and safety standards. As global temperatures rise, the tension between FIFA's commercial scheduling and the physiological limits of players is becoming a central conflict for major sporting events hosted in volatile climates.
