Key facts
- Nine World Cup group stage matches were played in conditions with wet bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) at or above 28C.
- The global players' union Fifpro stated that heat must play a larger role in future sports scheduling.
- Two matches at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium recorded WBGT readings potentially exceeding 33C.
- Fifa has implemented three-minute hydration breaks for all matches.
- A dangerous heatwave is set to intensify across the eastern United States, with heat indices hitting up to 46C.
- The World Health Organization is partnering with FIFA to protect attendees from extreme temperatures at the 2026 World Cup.
As the World Cup 2026 progresses, high temperatures are significantly impacting players' performance, with analysis revealing that not all teams are equally exposed to these conditions. Even before the tournament began in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, health experts and professional players raised concerns about matches being played under dangerous weather. FIFA has implemented mandatory hydration breaks for all games to mitigate the effects of heat. A recent analysis by Climate Central found that several matches have already been played, and more are scheduled, under heat conditions that impair performance. Tom Di Liberto, media director at Climate Central, described heat as a "hidden opponent" that players contend with. Factors such as scheduling, location, and stadium conditions mean that some national teams face greater exposure to extreme heat than others. Argentina's potential path to the final is projected to be the most affected, with all their games, if they reach that stage, having a more than 50% chance of being played in performance-impairing heat. Portugal, Spain, and Brazil follow, with an average of over 66% chance of their games being affected by heat. The hottest matches so far included Ivory Coast against Norway, Argentina against Cape Verde, and England against DR Congo. Conversely, matches like Switzerland-Algeria, Belgium-Senegal, and Mexico-Ecuador will be minimally affected. Di Liberto noted that as the tournament advances, heat stress could become a decisive factor when margins are slim. Previous research indicates that temperatures above 28°C impair elite football performance. Dr Oliver Gibson, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at Brunel University of London, explained that heat stress increases physiological strain, leading to more conservative play, prioritizing defense. As body temperature rises, the risk of heat illness, cardiovascular strain, fatigue, lethargy, and lightheadedness increases. Despite these concerns, heat was expected given the tournament's summer schedule in North America. However, climate change is exacerbating rising average temperatures. Only three of the host stadiums—in Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta—are climate-controlled, with most lacking cooling systems or adequate shade. Di Liberto emphasized the need for solutions for future sporting events, stating, "This is not a problem that's going away; it’s only going to continue to happen." This issue extends beyond football, offering an opportunity to highlight the impact of climate on beloved sports. Future events like the Women's World Cup in Brazil (2027), the Olympic Games in Los Angeles (2028), and the 2030 Men's World Cup in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain are also expected to face similar challenges related to heat.