2026 World Cup Faces Heat Stress Risk in 26 Matches as North America Warms 1.3F
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 11
2026 World Cup Faces Heat Stress Risk in 26 Matches as North America Warms 1.3F
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 11
Summary
About 26 of the tournament’s 104 matches are likely to be played in conditions that risk heat stress, according to World Weather Attribution.
June-July extreme heat has on average tripled across the 10 host cities that also staged 1994 World Cup games, after the world warmed roughly 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit since then.
England has trained in Miami’s sun to acclimatize, while 21 scientists told FIFA last month its heat-safety rules were insufficient and urged longer breaks and aggressive locker-room cooling.
The warning sharpens questions over player and fan safety at one of the hottest World Cups on record, after Qatar 2022 was shifted to winter partly to avoid extreme heat.
Can host cities protect millions of fans from the unprecedented heat of the 2026 World Cup?
As the World Cup kicks off, are FIFA's heat safety rules gambling with players' lives?
Is FIFA's oil sponsorship fueling the same climate change that now threatens the World Cup itself?
WBGT and the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Climate Risks, Player Safety, and the Need for Systemic Change
Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico during the peak summer months, raising major concerns about extreme heat for players and spectators. Some stadiums, like those in Houston and Dallas, have retractable roofs and climate control to help manage high temperatures, but not all venues offer such protection. With the tournament scheduled in cities known for intense summer heat, ensuring safety is a top priority. However, a full assessment of immediate heat risks is limited by the information currently available, highlighting the need for ongoing attention to heat management.