World Cup Players’ Worst Foe on the Pitch This Year May Be the Extreme Heat

Researchers warn that extreme heat during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada could make five games unsafe for players under current guidelines, up from three in 1994, due to climate change. A group of professional soccer players has urged FIFA to update heat safety protocols and reduce its fossil fuel footprint ahead of the tournament." "article": "A new report by Imperial College London researchers predicts that extreme heat could pose a greater risk to players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup than in previous tournaments, including the 1994 edition held in the U.S. The study found that climate change has increased the likelihood of unsafe temperatures in the 16 host cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, with five games potentially facing dangerous conditions compared to three in 1994. The report uses a wet bulb globe temperature threshold of 83°F (28.3°C) as a benchmark for unsafe conditions, which FIFA currently only considers for postponements at 90°F (32.2°C). This metric accounts for humidity, sun, and wind, as high humidity impairs sweat evaporation, straining the body’s cooling system. Chris Mullington, a consultant anesthetist at Imperial College London, explained that a 30°C (86°F) day with high humidity and strong sun is far more dangerous than one with dry, breezy conditions. Sixty current and former soccer players from around the world signed an open letter calling on FIFA to update its heat guidelines before the World Cup. They described symptoms of heat stress, including dizziness, fatigue, and muscle cramps, which could hinder performance. The players also urged FIFA to address climate change by dropping fossil fuel sponsors and adjusting game schedules to reduce travel emissions. The final match, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, faces a 12.5% chance of exceeding a wet bulb temperature of 79°F (26.1°C) and a 3% chance of reaching 83°F (28.3°C), according to Friederike Otto, a climate science professor at Imperial College London. She emphasized that the risk of cancellation-level heat in the World Cup Final should prompt FIFA to act. The report highlights how climate change is making summer sporting events increasingly difficult to conduct safely. Researchers and players alike stress the need for proactive measures to protect athletes and reduce the sport’s environmental impact.