A new study warns that dozens of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be played in temperatures above safety thresholds [1].
The findings highlight a critical gap in player and spectator safety as the tournament approaches. If temperatures exceed FIFA's recommended limits, athletes face increased risks of heat-related illness and dehydration during high-intensity competition.
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution project and FIFPro, the global players' union, released the report on Thursday [1]. The study arrives less than one month before the tournament is scheduled to open on June 8 [1]. It examines venues across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, noting that rising climate-related heat has increased the probability of dangerous conditions [1, 2].
Data from the study suggests that as many as 25% of the World Cup matches could exceed safety temperature limits [3]. Other estimates indicate that dozens of matches are at risk of facing dangerous heat [1]. The researchers said that current heat-safety protocols are inadequate to handle these projected conditions [2].
"The likelihood of dangerous temperatures for players and fans has sharply increased," a researcher said [2].
The report emphasizes that the intersection of extreme weather and the physical demands of professional soccer creates a hazardous environment. World-leading scientists said FIFA is "risking player safety" over heat [4].
The timing of the report puts pressure on tournament organizers to implement more aggressive cooling measures or adjust kickoff times. Without these changes, the study suggests that the climate risks will grow as the tournament progresses through the North American summer [2].
“"The likelihood of dangerous temperatures for players and fans has sharply increased"”
This study underscores the growing conflict between traditional sporting calendars and the reality of accelerating climate change. By signaling that existing safety protocols are insufficient, the researchers are pushing FIFA to move beyond standard hydration breaks toward systemic changes, such as rescheduling matches or altering venue selections, to prevent medical emergencies on the pitch.
