as the 2026 FIFA World cup approaches, concerns are mounting over the potential for risky heat conditions across North American host cities. A recent study highlighted six locations – Monterrey, Miami, Kansas City, boston, New York, and Philadelphia – as notably high-risk, prompting organizers to adjust schedules and implement cooling measures within stadiums. Beyond player safety, though, experts warn that the health of the expected millions of fans attending matches may also be jeopardized, with some arguing preparedness for extreme temperatures hasn’t received sufficient attention.
With less than six months until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, organizers are bracing for what could be their toughest opponent yet: extreme heat.
Soaring temperatures across the United States, Mexico, and Canada are raising concerns about the safety of players and fans, alongside logistical challenges that remain unresolved. The tournament, set to be co-hosted across North America, is already prompting significant adjustments to ensure player and spectator well-being.
Inside the $5.5 billion SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles – a venue slated to host eight World Cup matches – roughly 15 industrial-sized misting fans, each over six feet tall, are prepared for deployment. If temperatures climb above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 degrees Celsius), the fans will be positioned around the stadium perimeter.
A massive canopy hangs approximately 150 feet above the field, providing shade for fans, while large openings in the stadium’s design are intended to capture breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean, offering a natural cooling effect.
“When you’re putting 70,000 people in one building, with the energy and excitement that comes with that, and with rising temperatures, we want to make sure we’re responding appropriately,” said Otto Benedict, the stadium’s chief operating officer.
Not all 16 World Cup stadiums are equipped with such advanced cooling systems, and Southern California isn’t considered one of the most vulnerable regions in a tournament scheduled for June 11-July 19 – over three and a half years after a winter World Cup in Qatar.
– Water Breaks –
A study published in January in the International Journal of Biometeorology warned of “serious concern” for the health of players and referees at the 2026 World Cup due to the extreme heat.
The study identified six host cities as “high risk”: Monterrey, Miami, Kansas City, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.
A report from the non-profit organization Football for Future indicated that these cities recorded at least one day in 2025 with a temperature exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) according to the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which factors in humidity.
The issue of heat was already apparent at this year’s Club World Cup in the United States, where players and coaches voiced complaints about the climate. The heat also significantly impacted the 1994 World Cup, the last men’s tournament held in the U.S.
In response, FIFA implemented mandatory cooling breaks during matches in the 22nd and 67th minutes, regardless of conditions, to allow players to rehydrate.
The World Cup schedule, released after the draw in December, shows daytime matches largely scheduled for air-conditioned stadiums in Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, while evening kickoffs are planned for the high-risk venues.
A spokesperson for the global players’ union, FIFPro, stated, “You can clearly see an attempt to align the tournament schedule and stadium selection with concerns about player health and performance. This is a welcome and clear result, and lessons learned from the Club World Cup.”
– “High-Risk Matches” –
FIFPro says the key takeaway is that heat will play an increasingly important role in organizing tournaments on a warming planet.
The union believes several World Cup matches remain “high risk” and recommends postponement if WBGT readings exceed 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
FIFPro has flagged afternoon matches in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia during the group stage, as well as the final scheduled for 3 p.m. in New York, as particularly concerning.
While teams and players are working to mitigate the effects of the climate, some officials believe the risks to fans inside stadiums and in fan zones have been underestimated.
“There is a risk, and importantly, we feel it’s a risk that hasn’t been taken as seriously as it should be,” said Chris Forman, deputy director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Southeastern Regional Climate Center.
“When you’re cheering, you’re generating a lot of metabolic heat and your heart rate goes up. Fans, compared to professional athletes, are generally not in good physical condition. They have a lot of comorbidities that increase their likelihood of experiencing negative health outcomes or heat stress.”
Temperatures within stadiums are also amplified by the effects of concrete, asphalt, and metal.
Forman emphasized the importance of adequate ventilation, shaded areas, and access to water, although hydration is often hampered by alcohol consumption.
FIFA has not yet clarified whether fans will be allowed to bring reusable water bottles into stadiums or if water will be sold inside. The organization did not respond to a request for comment on the matter.
– Prevention –
For Benjamin Schott, a meteorologist with the U.S. National Weather Service who advised FIFA and the World Cup task force, prevention is the priority, especially for visiting fans unfamiliar with the local climate.
Another lesson from the Club World Cup, he said, is the need for multilingual messaging to ensure safety warnings regarding heat are clearly understood.
“The lesson learned is trying to better educate fans when they come to the United States so they have a better understanding of what the weather could be like during those two months,” Schott added.
AFP
