Heat Risks Loom Over 2026 World Cup as 39 Matches Face Dangerous Conditions
With one month until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, weather conditions across host nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—present a range of health risks, including heat, humidity, thunderstorms, and poor air quality from wildfires.
The Data Behind the Danger
An analysis by NPR of historical weather data found that 39 of 104 matches face a high risk of dangerously hot and humid conditions, with an additional 28 matches at moderate risk. The analysis used wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), which accounts for humidity, shade, and solar radiation, to measure heat risk.
Mitigation Measures by Organizers
FIFA has introduced mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in each half of every match as part of a stated commitment to player welfare. The organization stated it scheduled games for cooler hours, added water breaks, and installed sideline air conditioning for bench personnel.
For spectators, venues will provide shaded areas, misting systems, cooling buses, and water distribution. Attendees in the United States and Canada may bring one factory-sealed water bottle into stadiums; in Mexico, water must be purchased. Policies vary at Fan Fests. First aid locations are listed on FIFA's website.
High-Risk Matches and Locations
High-risk matches include the third-place game and the final, scheduled for 3 p.m. on July 19 at an uncovered stadium near New York City. Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta have the highest average temperatures during their matches, up to 84°F. Stadiums in these cities have air conditioning.
Stadiums in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Kansas City (Missouri) have average temperatures up to 79°F and no roofs.
Previous Heat-Related Incidents
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the event was held in winter due to heat concerns. At U.S. matches in 2024, hot, humid weather caused health emergencies, including a referee collapsing in Kansas City (Kansas) and a player leaving a Miami match due to dizziness and dehydration.
During the current tournament, high humidity and temperatures over 90°F in Houston sent multiple fans to the hospital. Miami's first match had a heat index above 100°F, prompting an extreme heat warning; there were 10 heat-related medical calls at the stadium.
Expert and Organizational Statements
"Players can overheat, and match officials as well... They can also overheat and collapse."
— Donal Mullan, climate scientist at Queen's University Belfast
"All hot weather is dangerous, but hot, humid weather tends to be more dangerous."
— Jennifer Vanos, heat policy researcher at Arizona State University
A FIFA spokesperson stated that the organization "is committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff."
FIFPRO, the global players' union, has expressed concern about player safety.
Worker and Spectator Safety Context
About 6 million tickets are available. The U.S. federal government is spending $625 million on local security, including police overtime.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends water and shade breaks for workers, but some states, including Florida, lack enforcement laws for such breaks.
Health experts recommend that individuals stay hydrated, seek shade, and recognize symptoms of heat illness, which include thirst, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, and decreased urine output. Alcohol consumption is discouraged as it causes dehydration and reduces awareness of heat illness symptoms.
Climate Context
Climate change is raising summer temperatures across North America; the last ten years were the hottest decade on record. Large gatherings increase heat risk due to crowds, unfamiliar surroundings, and limited access to cooling.
Past tragedies cited in relation to heat and large events include a death at a Taylor Swift concert in Brazil in 2023 and over 1,300 deaths during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia in 2024 during heat waves.