Alarm for the 2026 World Cup, one in four matches could be played in high temperatures

Extreme temperatures and high humidity are expected to be one of the biggest challenges of the 2026 World Cup, with a new analysis warning that one in four matches could take place in conditions dangerous for players and fans.

According to a study conducted by the research group “World Weather Attribution,” heat and humidity during the 2026 World Cup will be significantly more intense than during the 1994 tournament, also held in North America. Experts say the main reason is the impact of climate change.

The tournament will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 104 matches scheduled across 16 host cities starting on June 12. Matches in extreme heat analysis took into account actual match schedules and found that many games will be played during the hottest hours of the day, midday or afternoon, exactly when the risk from extreme temperatures is highest. This goes against the recommendations of the global players’ union FIFPRO.

According to the report, around one in four matches is expected to be played in temperatures exceeding 26°C WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature), a measure that calculates heat stress by factoring in temperature, humidity, wind, solar radiation, and cloud cover. When WBGT exceeds 26°C, FIFPRO recommends multiple cooling breaks during matches, which can last up to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, around five matches could be played in even more extreme conditions, with WBGT above 28°C, equivalent to about 38°C in dry heat or 30°C with high humidity.

In these cases, FIFPRO considers the situation unsafe and recommends postponing or suspending matches. Stadiums do not provide sufficient protection against heat. Researchers also analyzed the stadiums and concluded that most are not suitable to handle extreme heat conditions.

Only three of the 16 stadiums have full air-conditioning systems, while over one third of high-risk matches will be played in open-air stadiums. These include the final, the third-place match, and two quarterfinals. Another 2025 study warned that 14 of the 16 World Cup stadiums are already exceeding “safe play” thresholds due to extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and flooding.

The critical limit for human safety is considered to be 35°C, at which the body’s natural cooling system begins to fail, increasing the risk of heatstroke and dehydration for both players and fans. Most at-risk cities according to the report are Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Monterrey.

These cities could face 100 to 160 days per year of temperatures unsuitable for sports activity by 2050, along with flash floods, extreme winds, and water shortages. The study warns that the 2026 World Cup could be “the last of its kind” in North America, as by mid-century nearly 90% of host stadiums may face dangerous heat conditions. Experts emphasize that without major infrastructure investment and climate adaptation measures, future summer tournaments in North America will become increasingly difficult to organize in their current format.

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