Climate change increases risk of extreme heat at nearly all 2026 World Cup matches, studies find

Climate Central and the World Weather Attribution group analyzed heat risks for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, revealing that 97 of the 104 matches—spread across 16 cities in the US, Mexico, and Canada—could exceed 28°C, a temperature linked to declines in player speed and endurance. Researchers found that sustained heat at or above 28°C may force tactical adjustments and disadvantage high-intensity teams. Coastal and northern venues, such as those in Canada and parts of the US Pacific coast, are expected to remain cooler, while inland and southern locations in the US and Mexico may face temperatures frequently nearing or surpassing 30°C. The studies emphasize that heat risk depends on both temperature and humidity, measured via the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), which accounts for physiological strain. Fifpro recommends cooling breaks at 26°C WBGT and considers conditions above 28°C unsafe, though FIFA’s postponement rules differ, creating a gap between athlete safety and tournament regulations. World Weather Attribution estimates that 26 matches could exceed 26°C WBGT, with some potentially reaching 28°C WBGT. Even late-afternoon games, like the Netherlands vs. Tunisia in Kansas City, may face elevated risks, showing that scheduling alone cannot mitigate heat exposure in hotter cities. Comparisons with past tournaments, such as the 1994 US World Cup, underscore how climate change has amplified extreme heat risks. The findings stress the need for better adaptation measures to protect players amid rising global temperatures during the 2026 event.