As many as 26 matches at the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup are set to be played in temperature conditions that are unsafe for play, according to new analysis from World Weather Attribution.
The World Cup, which runs from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada and Mexico, is likely to experience a variety of environmental and climatological conditions, given its broad geographical spread, however matches taking place in southerly and inland areas of the USA and Mexico are set to experience extreme heat and humidity, it warned.
‘High temperatures combined with high humidity levels are potentially very dangerous for the human body, especially when undertaking strenuous physical activities, such as playing professional association football, not only affecting performance, but also leading to serious illness and heat stroke,’ the report noted.
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature
World Weather Attribution’s analysis focused on Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a heat stress metric that combines temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind to assess physiological strain during outdoor activity.
According to guidance from FIFPRO, the global players union, matches taking place at a WBGT of 26°C should have regular cooling breaks, while at 28°C, conditions are considered unsafe for play, and postponement is advised.
This is in contrast to current FIFA regulations, which only consider postponement if WBGT is higher than 32°C.
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High temperatures
Of the 26 World Cup matches above the 26°C WBGT threshold that are likely to take place during the 2026 tournament (compared to 21 games under equivalent conditions during the 1994 World Cup) nine are set to be played in stadiums without cooling.
Cities identified as facing the greatest heat risks include Miami, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Dallas and Houston – the Netherlands v Tunisia match, which kicks off at 6pm local time on 26 June in Kansas City, for example, has a 7% chance of exceeding the 28°C threshold.
The semi-final in Dallas (pictured), on 14 July, was also identified as being particularly exposed, with World Weather Attribution estimating a 29% chance of conditions exceeding the 28°C threshold, despite the stadium being air-conditioned.
‘While air-conditioned stadiums may reduce heat exposure within match venues, dangerous conditions will remain for public viewing, outdoor gatherings, celebrations, and other forms of social participation associated with major football tournaments,’ the report noted. ‘Ensuring that football can continue to be enjoyed safely during northern hemisphere summers therefore depends not only on adaptation measures, but also on rapid mitigation efforts to transition away from burning fossil fuels.’
The analysis was authored by researchers the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London and reviewed by scientists from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre. Read more here.
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