Scientists and climate experts have warned that players and fans could face dangerous heat conditions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling on FIFA to introduce stronger safety measures ahead of the tournament.
In an open letter signed by medical professionals, climate researchers, and sports scientists, the group urged FIFA to adopt tougher heat protection guidelines recommended by FIFPRO, the global football players’ union. They cautioned that rising temperatures across the United States, Canada, and Mexico could pose serious health risks to both athletes and spectators.
“Player safety is an immediate and urgent concern because things can go wrong very quickly when people overheat,” said Andrew Simms, who coordinated the letter. He added that experts fear FIFA is “playing recklessly with the health and safety of players.”
The warning comes after a new analysis by the World Weather Attribution group found that about one quarter of World Cup matches could be played in conditions exceeding 26°C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a standard measure of heat stress.
Researchers also estimated that around five matches could take place in temperatures above 28°C WBGT — conditions FIFPRO considers unsafe for professional football. According to scientists, the likelihood of extreme heat during the tournament has nearly doubled compared with the 1994 World Cup, also hosted in North America.
Beyond heatwaves, experts warned that thunderstorms and wildfire smoke could disrupt matches during the summer competition.
In response, FIFA said it plans to implement a “tiered heat mitigation model,” with safety protocols adjusted based on real-time weather conditions.
A FIFA spokesperson said the organisation would use dedicated meteorological monitoring across host cities, relying on WBGT readings and heat indexes to guide decisions during games.
FIFA also noted that kickoff times were scheduled with climate conditions in mind, aiming to avoid the hottest periods of the day while placing matches expected to face warmer weather in covered stadiums. The governing body added that it would continue working with medical experts and local authorities to deliver what it described as a “safe and resilient” tournament.
