National football teams are using cooling vests, ice baths, and saunas to combat extreme heat during the 2026 World Cup [1].

These measures are critical to prevent heatstroke and preserve player health as teams compete in high summer temperatures across the U.S. [4]. Failure to manage core body temperatures can lead to rapid performance decline and serious medical emergencies during high-intensity matches.

The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026 [1]. Teams have adopted a wide range of contrasting strategies to acclimatize and recover. The French national team has utilized cooling vests, ice baths, and isotonic drinks to lower body temperatures [2]. These methods were particularly relevant for matches such as the clash against Paraguay in Philadelphia, which took place at 11 p.m. on a Saturday night [2].

Other teams are employing heat-exposure therapy to build tolerance. The Belgian national team has integrated hot baths and sauna sessions into their routine [3]. This approach was noted during their early tournament schedule, including a midday match against Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle on June 12 [3].

The challenge of summer heat is a recurring theme for athletes in the region. For comparison, temperatures at Roland-Garros recently exceeded 33 degrees Celsius [3], highlighting the volatility of summer weather for professional competitors.

Medical staffs are balancing these opposing techniques—rapid cooling and heat acclimation—to ensure players can sustain peak physical output. While some focus on immediate temperature reduction, others use heat stress to trigger physiological adaptations that make the body more efficient at cooling itself during a game [1, 2, 3].

“The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026”

The divergence in strategies between cooling and heat-loading reflects a sophisticated approach to sports science. By using both ice baths and saunas, teams are not just reacting to the weather but attempting to manipulate the players' thermoregulatory systems to maximize endurance in the humid and hot environments of North American stadiums.