One in Four 2026 World Cup Games May Be Played in Extreme Heat

One in four 2026 World Cup games could take place in very hot conditions as climate change has increased the risk of extreme heat in North America since the US hosted the 1994 tournament. Researchers who analyzed the situation found that the number of hot games will be higher than in 1994.

The World Weather Attribution, a network of climate scientists, estimates that 26 of the 104 matches could occur in conditions reaching at least 26C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). WBGT is an index that measures how effectively the human body can cool itself under heat, humidity, sun exposure, and wind. At 26C WBGT, the international footballers' union FIFPRO recommends cooling breaks as heat strain becomes a real risk for players.

Friederike Otto, WWA co-founder and climate science professor at Imperial College London, warns that it's not just the players who are at risk. The fans who might gather outdoors won't have access to medical care, and they're at even more risk. "It's dangerous for players, but of course, there are also the fans who might gather outdoors and they are at even more risk because they won't be taken care of by a lot of medical doctors," she said.

Three of the 16 stadiums - in Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta - have air conditioning, which should help mitigate the heat. However, more than a third of the games with a one in 10 chance of exceeding 26C will take place in venues without air conditioning. FIFA has mandated a cooling break during each half of the World Cup matches that will take place between June 11 and July 19. This mandate is crucial for player safety.

During the 1994 World Cup hosted by the United States, 21 games would have been expected to reach a similar heat threshold, according to WWA. But now, five games are expected to be played in conditions of 28C WBGT or higher. FIFPRO says this level should lead to the delay or postponement of matches until conditions are safer for players and fans. The risk of extreme heat has nearly doubled compared to the 1994 World Cup.

The final, which will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, has a one in eight chance of seeing 26C WBGT conditions. It also has a 2.7 percent risk of 28C. This is concerning, given that the World Cup Final is one of the biggest sporting occasions on the planet. The high heat poses a significant risk to both players and spectators.

The high heat poses a significant risk to both players and spectators. With more than a third of the games taking place in venues without air conditioning, the situation is even more precarious. The World Cup is set to take place in three countries: the US, Mexico, and Canada. The varying climate conditions across these countries will undoubtedly affect the games. They won't have the same conditions, and this won't be easy to manage.

The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is used to determine the risk of heat-related illnesses. At 26C WBGT, the risk of heat strain becomes significant. Cooling breaks are necessary to prevent illness. The World Weather Attribution network used historical climate data and climate models to estimate the risk of extreme heat during the 2026 World Cup. They didn't rely on assumptions, but on real data.

• One in four 2026 World Cup games may be played in extreme heat conditions.
• 26 of the 104 matches could occur in conditions reaching at least 26C WBGT.
• Five games are expected to be played in conditions of 28C WBGT or higher.
• The World Cup Final has a one in eight chance of seeing 26C WBGT conditions and a 2.7 percent risk of 28C.
• More than a third of the games with a one in 10 chance of exceeding 26C will take place in venues without air conditioning.

The risk of extreme heat during the 2026 World Cup is a significant concern for players, spectators, and organizers. As the world gathers to watch the biggest sporting event, the high temperatures will undoubtedly pose a challenge. It's crucial that the necessary precautions are taken to prevent heat-related illnesses. This includes providing cooling breaks and ensuring access to medical care.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in 16 stadiums across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With the risk of extreme heat, it's essential that FIFA, the host countries, and the teams take the necessary measures to mitigate the effects of high temperatures. This includes providing cooling breaks, ensuring access to medical care, and taking other precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. They can't afford to ignore this risk.

The 2026 World Cup faces a significant challenge due to the risk of extreme heat. It's essential that all stakeholders take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for players, spectators, and staff. The World Cup is a significant event that brings people together, and it's crucial that we prioritize the well-being of all those involved. The tournament's success won't be measured by the number of goals scored, but also by the safety of everyone involved. The organizers won't be able to say they didn't know about the risks, so they'd better be prepared.