A new threat has emerged for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, as climate change may render conditions unsafe for players and fans. A report from Imperial College London indicates that the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, could see significantly higher temperatures than the 1994 tournament, the last time the US hosted the event.
Heat risks for players
Sávio Bortolini Pimentel, a former Brazilian player who narrowly missed the 1994 World Cup roster, recalled hearing about the intense heat during matches, particularly the final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where temperatures reached 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit). Now, researchers estimate that human-induced climate change has made dangerously hot conditions more likely in the 16 host cities. The report predicts that five games could take place in unsafe heat, compared to three in 1994.
The threshold for unsafe temperatures is based on wet bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) of 28 degrees Celsius (83 degrees Fahrenheit), as recommended by FIFPRO, the international players' union. FIFA currently uses WBGT but only considers postponements above 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit). Chris Mullington, a consultant anesthetist at Imperial College London, explained that WBGT accounts for factors like humidity and sun exposure, which affect the body's ability to cool itself through sweat evaporation.
Players call for action
Sixty current and former professional soccer players have signed an open letter urging FIFA to update its heat guidelines. They highlighted symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and muscle cramps, and called for dropping fossil fuel sponsors and adjusting schedules to reduce travel emissions. Friederike Otto, a climate science professor at Imperial College London, noted that the increased heat risk demonstrates climate change's impact on summer World Cups. The final match on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey has a 12.5 percent chance of exceeding 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) and a 3 percent chance of reaching 28 degrees Celsius (83 degrees Fahrenheit), which Otto described as a wake-up call.
Comparison to past tournaments
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was moved to winter due to extreme heat. Last summer's Club World Cup in the US saw no postponements despite temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit). The Imperial College report indicates that nearly a quarter of all World Cup games are likely to be played above 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit), with about five matches above 28 degrees Celsius (83 degrees Fahrenheit), almost double the number from 1994.
Impact on athletes
Under severe heat and dehydration, athletes experience elevated heart rates, faster muscle fatigue, and increased sweating. Douglas Casa, CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute, explained that at extreme temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), the body enters volitional exhaustion, where athletes voluntarily stop due to inability to continue. Sávio noted that modern players are better prepared due to improved training techniques, but the heat still reduces the pace of play.
Casa recommended aggressive cooling strategies, such as cold towels and cold plunges, and extending hydration breaks from three to six minutes. He emphasized that cooling during halftime is crucial, as athletes may enter with body temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Risks for fans
Casa also highlighted risks for fans, including heat illness from dehydration. He suggested that FIFA provide free water-filling stations inside stadiums, as current rules prohibit bringing empty containers for refills. Kevin Muneton Ramirez, a fan attending a match in Miami, expressed excitement but acknowledged that heat could affect the game's quality. He noted that exhausted players may lead to a more mental game, but Casa argued that optimal conditions would provide better entertainment for fans who spend heavily on tickets.
