Two World Cup Matches Exceeded 28C Heat Threshold, With 6 of 24 Host Cities Above It
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 19
Two World Cup Matches Exceeded 28C Heat Threshold, With 6 of 24 Host Cities Above It
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 19
Summary
Two first-round World Cup matches in non-air-conditioned stadiums were played at wet-bulb temperatures of 28C or higher, a level Fifpro has said should trigger delays or postponements.
Saudi Arabia v Uruguay in Miami recorded the most severe heat in the first 24 matches, with Sweden v Tunisia in Monterrey second; both were evening kickoffs despite dangerous heat stress conditions.
Six of the first 24 matches were held in places where wet-bulb temperatures hit 28C or above, but air conditioning reduced conditions inside some venues, including Dallas and Houston.
Fifa currently mandates cooling breaks at 32C and says it has meteorologists, hydration protocols, misting systems and contingency plans in place, while experts say fans and stadium workers still need stronger protection.
The tournament is forecast to be the hottest World Cup since 1930, underscoring how climate-driven extreme heat is colliding with a 100-plus-match event expected to generate 7.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases.
As record heat threatens the World Cup, are players and fans being pushed past a safe limit for entertainment?
Amidst record emissions, can FIFA's green promises be trusted while partnering with fossil fuel sponsors?
Facing Record Temperatures: How the 2026 FIFA World Cup Is Grappling with Heat, Safety, and Climate Change
Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup faces unprecedented heat challenges, with the final expected to be the hottest since 1994. This extreme weather is already a major concern, raising risks for player safety and match conditions across host cities. Past incidents, like a star player leaving a 2024 Miami match due to dizziness and dehydration, and Rachel Daly collapsing from heat exhaustion in 2017, highlight the dangers. These events show that rising temperatures are not just a future threat but a current reality, making heat management and player protection urgent priorities for the tournament.