A new climate study warns extreme heat and humidity during the 2026 FIFA World Cup could threaten players, fans and workers, with several North American venues facing dangerous wet-bulb temperatures.
With only weeks left before the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America, a new scientific analysis has warned that human-driven climate change is making heat-related risks at the 2026 tournament significantly worse than during the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
The study by climate research group World Weather Attribution (WWA) said many matches could be played in intense heat combined with high humidity, creating health risks not only for players but also for spectators and stadium workers.
Researchers examined likely weather conditions at 16 venues across the United States, Mexico and Canada between June 11 and July 19 using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which measures how effectively the human body can cool itself by factoring in humidity, solar radiation and wind conditions.
According to the analysis, at least 25 percent of the tournament’s 104 matches are expected to take place in WBGT conditions of 26 degrees Celsius or higher. WWA said a WBGT reading of 26C is equivalent to around 30C in moderately to highly humid conditions or nearly 38C in dry weather.
Friederike Otto, climate scientist at Imperial College London and co-author of the study, said climate change was having a “real and measurable” effect on the ability to host World Cups during summers in the Northern Hemisphere.
“The 1994 World Cup does not feel that long ago, but nearly half of human-caused climate change has occurred since then,” Otto said.
Experts said humid heat makes it harder for the body to cool itself through sweating, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and cardiovascular problems.
A 2010 study found that continuous exposure to a wet bulb temperature of 35C for six hours could prove fatal. Another study published in the journal Nature in 2026 suggested health risks were increasing even at temperatures below 35C.
Researchers also warned that footballers could see their endurance and performance affected because of high-intensity running under direct sunlight.
Global footballers’ union FIFPRO said heat-related risks become serious once WBGT reaches 26C, at which point cooling and hydration breaks are necessary. The organization recommends suspending matches if WBGT rises to 28C or higher.
FIFA, however, has said it would not consider suspending matches unless WBGT exceeds 32C.
The study identified stadiums in the southern United States, the Midwest and humid coastal regions as facing the greatest heat risks.
The six venues considered most vulnerable are MetLife Stadium in New York, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Gillette Stadium in Boston and Estadio Monterrey in Mexico.
Researchers said dangerously high temperatures in Miami were “almost certain,” with multiple matches likely to be played above 26C WBGT. Dallas and Houston each face nearly a 30 percent chance of exceeding that threshold, although both stadiums are equipped with cooling systems.
Source: Indian Express
