Scientists Warn FIFA: Extreme Heat Could Threaten 2026 World Cup

FIFA is urged by a group of over 20 climate and health scientists to revise the heat safety plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, given their concern that the measures being planned possibly aren't enough. The experts issued their open letter, saying that the footballers and spectators may find the playing conditions dangerous due to the rising temperatures and humidity.

Nearly 25% of the tournament's 104 matches may be in conditions exceeding FIFPRO's recommended FELIX boundaries for the safety of players, according to World Weather Attribution research into the conditions in which the games would be played.World Weather Attribution has conducted research into the conditions the games would be played in, with nearly 25% of those matches happening in conditions above FIFPRO's recommended 'FELIX' boundaries for game of the foot safety. Some matches could even be able to reach the stage where postponement and/or rescheduling should be considered.

Excessively hot temperatures can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and decrease physical and mental functioning. Expert advice goes to no player is immune to extreme heat stress, although elite athletes are normally well-conditioned. Keeping fans at matches and outdoor 'fan zones' is also a concern, particularly in cities that might see sweltering summer weather.

FIFA has declared that they will introduce mitigation measures which include hydration breaks, cooling stations, misting areas and adjustments to match scheduling. But critics say that maybe more should be done in the face of the rising risk of extreme weather at big sporting events as a result of climate change.