Scientists and climate experts have issued a stark warning that players and fans could face dangerous heat conditions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging the governing body to strengthen safety measures before the tournament begins.

 

 

In an open letter signed by medical experts, climate researchers, and sports scientists, the group called on FIFA to adopt stricter heat protection standards proposed by FIFPRO, the global football players’ union. Experts warn that rising temperatures across the United States, Canada, and Mexico could place athletes and spectators at serious risk.

 

 

“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. “We’re worried that FIFA is playing recklessly with the health and safety of players,” Simms added.

 

 

The concerns follow a new analysis by the World Weather Attribution group which found that around one quarter of World Cup matches could be played in temperatures above 26°C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a key measure used to assess heat stress.

 

 

Scientists also warned that approximately five matches could exceed 28°C WBGT, conditions that FIFPRO considers unsafe for professional football. Experts say the risk of extreme heat at the tournament has nearly doubled compared to the 1994 World Cup, which was also hosted in North America.

 

 

In addition to heatwaves, scientists warned that thunderstorms and wildfire smoke could also affect matches during the summer tournament.

 

 

In response, FIFA said it would implement a “tiered heat mitigation model” during the competition, with safety measures adjusted according to real-time weather conditions.

 

 

A FIFA spokesperson said the organisation would provide dedicated meteorological monitoring across host cities, using WBGT readings and heat indexes to guide decision-making during matches.

 

 

FIFA also stated that kickoff schedules had been designed with climate conditions in mind, with efforts made to avoid matches during the hottest parts of the day and to prioritize warmer fixtures in covered stadiums. The governing body added that it would continue working with medical experts and local authorities to ensure what it described as a “safe and resilient” tournament.