Scientists urge FIFA to address heat risks for 2026 World Cup
Scientists and climate experts have raised concerns about the potential dangers of extreme heat during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. An open letter signed by medical experts, climate researchers, and sports scientists calls on FIFA to strengthen its safety measures. The experts warn that rising temperatures in the United States, Canada, and Mexico could put both players and fans at risk. FIFA has responded by outlining plans to monitor and mitigate heat risks during the tournament.
Match highlights
- Medical experts and climate scientists have warned FIFA about the risk of dangerous heat conditions at the 2026 World Cup.
- The group has urged FIFA to adopt stricter heat protection standards proposed by FIFPRO, the global football players’ union.
- Analysis suggests that about a quarter of matches could be played in temperatures above 26°C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), with some matches possibly exceeding 28°C WBGT.
- FIFA stated it will use a “tiered heat mitigation model” and provide meteorological monitoring to guide safety decisions during matches.
- Critics argue that climate change is making summer sporting events more hazardous, raising concerns about the future of such tournaments.
