The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is poised to confront substantial challenges from extreme heat, with a recent analysis indicating that a significant portion of matches could be played under conditions dangerous to athletes and spectators. This concern underscores a broader trend of climate change increasingly disrupting global sporting events, a topic highlighted by Bloomberg Opinion writer Lara Rhiannon.
Bloomberg Opinion recently tweeted, > "It's wise to think about how extreme heat could disrupt World Cup play, but that's just the beginning of how climate change is hurting sports, writes @lararhiannonw." This statement points to the urgent need for sports organizations to adapt to a warming planet. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format of 48 teams and 104 matches, intensifying the physical demands on participants across a wider range of venues.
A new analysis by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) initiative warns that roughly 25% of the scheduled 2026 World Cup matches are likely to experience Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) levels of 26°C or higher. WBGT is a crucial measure that accounts for air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed, providing a more accurate assessment of heat stress on the human body. The International Federation of Professional Footballers’ Associations (FIFPRO) recommends cooling breaks at 26°C WBGT and advises match postponement if the WBGT reaches 28°C.
The study identified Miami, Kansas City, and East Rutherford (New Jersey), where the final will be held, as high-risk venues without air-conditioned stadiums. For instance, six open-air matches in Miami have a near-certain chance of exceeding 26°C WBGT, with a 1-in-33 chance of hitting the 28°C threshold on certain dates. The 2024 Copa América, held in some of the same venues, already saw an assistant referee collapse due to heat during a match in Kansas City, where conditions reached approximately 27.5°C WBGT.
FIFA's existing heat policies mandate three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half, regardless of weather conditions. However, the escalating frequency and intensity of heatwaves, driven by climate change, may necessitate further interventions. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was famously moved from summer to winter to mitigate extreme heat, setting a precedent for adapting major tournaments.
Beyond football, climate change impacts a wide array of sports, from winter sports facing reduced snowfall to marathons being rescheduled or shortened due to dangerous temperatures. Experts emphasize that the integrity and safety of sporting events globally depend on proactive measures and a decisive shift towards climate action.
