Volatile summer weather threatens to turn World Cup into test of heat

The 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico faces extreme heat risks, with nearly a quarter of matches potentially exceeding safety limits due to high wet-bulb globe temperatures. Climate change has increased the likelihood of dangerous conditions, particularly in cities like Houston, Miami, and Guadalajara, where matches could see performance-impairing heat and humidity." "article": "The 2026 FIFA World Cup, spanning the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will begin amid forecasts of above-normal summer temperatures and high humidity, raising health and performance risks for players. Seasonal predictions indicate moisture from the Gulf of Mexico could fuel thunderstorms and severe weather during the opening weeks, while wet-bulb globe temperature—a measure combining heat, humidity, sunlight, and wind—could exceed safety thresholds for roughly 25% of matches. Research from Climate Central shows climate change has increased the likelihood of high temperatures affecting 97 of the 104 matches, with the June 26 game between Uruguay and Spain in Guadalajara facing a 70% chance of dangerous heat—37 percentage points higher than without climate change. High-humidity venues like Houston, Miami, Dallas, and Monterrey will further strain players, as sweat evaporation becomes difficult in such conditions. Experts warn that elite athletes generate significant internal heat during play, with 75% of energy converting to heat rather than physical effort. This, combined with high humidity, could slow match pace and increase risks of heat-related illnesses, particularly for players arriving from lower elevations, such as those competing in Mexico City’s high-altitude venues. FIFA has implemented measures like three-minute hydration breaks per half and considered scheduling based on temperature, travel, and cooling infrastructure. Some stadiums feature retractable roofs or climate-control systems, while tournament rules allow delays or rescheduling for extreme weather. However, experts like Chris Minson, a physiology professor at the University of Oregon, urge stricter interventions, including six-minute cooling breaks and emergency ice baths when wet-bulb globe temperatures exceed 26°C. Ryan Calsbeek, a Dartmouth College professor, notes that nearly half of matches face at least a 50% chance of temperatures above 28°C, linked to declines in sprinting, endurance, and recovery. The combination of heat, humidity, and altitude in venues like Mexico City could further challenge players, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies to ensure safety and fair competition.