The 2026 World Cup could be the hottest yet
The 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico risks becoming the hottest in history due to extreme heat and humidity, with 54 matches scheduled during daytime in unshaded stadiums like MetLife, where Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández suffered heat exhaustion in July 2025. FIFA prioritizes TV broadcast schedules over player safety, with 3 p.m. kickoffs aligning to European primetime, despite only four of 16 stadiums having roofs and air conditioning." "article": "The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, faces unprecedented heat risks after Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández collapsed from heat exhaustion during a July 2025 Club World Cup semifinal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Temperatures reached 96°F (35.5°C) with 54% humidity, forcing Fernández to lie on the pitch. The same stadium will host the World Cup final on July 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. under identical conditions, with no roof or air conditioning. Of the tournament’s 104 matches, 54 will be played in daylight, including 24 knockout-stage games, despite rising temperatures in New Jersey—annual averages have climbed 4°F (2.2°C) since 1900, with 36% more days above 90°F (32°C) since 1949. Only four of the 16 stadiums (Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta, AT&T in Dallas, NRG in Houston, and BC Place in Vancouver) have roofs and air conditioning. FIFA’s scheduling prioritizes European TV broadcast slots, with 3 p.m. Eastern Time aligning to 8 p.m. in London and 9 p.m. in Paris and Berlin. Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Director of Global Football Development, previously stated that more covered stadiums would be included, but only 31 of 104 matches will have shade. Mandatory hydration breaks were introduced, but players like Diego Maradona and Jorge Valdano have historically criticized such scheduling, calling it an ‘attack on players.’ Heat-related issues are not new—1986’s Mexico World Cup saw matches at 100°F (38°C), while 1994’s U.S. tournament featured temperatures above 105°F (41°C) in Orlando, where 160 fans required medical treatment for heat illness. FIFA’s reliance on TV contracts over player safety remains a recurring concern, with climate change worsening conditions for future tournaments.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, faces unprecedented heat risks after Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández collapsed from heat exhaustion during a July 2025 Club World Cup semifinal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Temperatures reached 96°F (35.5°C) with 54% humidity, forcing Fernández to lie on the pitch. The same stadium will host the World Cup final on July 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. under identical conditions, with no roof or air conditioning. Of the tournament’s 104 matches, 54 will be played in daylight, including 24 knockout-stage games, despite rising temperatures in New Jersey—annual averages have climbed 4°F (2.2°C) since 1900, with 36% more days above 90°F (32°C) since 1949. Only four of the 16 stadiums (Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta, AT&T in Dallas, NRG in Houston, and BC Place in Vancouver) have roofs and air conditioning. FIFA’s scheduling prioritizes European TV broadcast slots, with 3 p.m. Eastern Time aligning to 8 p.m. in London and 9 p.m. in Paris and Berlin. Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Director of Global Football Development, previously stated that more covered stadiums would be included, but only 31 of 104 matches will have shade. Mandatory hydration breaks were introduced, but players like Diego Maradona and Jorge Valdano have historically criticized such scheduling, calling it an ‘attack on players.’ Heat-related issues are not new—1986’s Mexico World Cup saw matches at 100°F (38°C), while 1994’s U.S. tournament featured temperatures above 105°F (41°C) in Orlando, where 160 fans required medical treatment for heat illness. FIFA’s reliance on TV contracts over player safety remains a recurring concern, with climate change worsening conditions for future tournaments.
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