Scientists warn FIFA over extreme heat risks ahead of 2026 World Cup

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Scientists and climate experts have warned that players and fans could face dangerous heat conditions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging FIFA to strengthen its safety measures before the tournament begins.

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As reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, 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.

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The experts warned that rising temperatures across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the three host nations for the 2026 tournament, could place athletes and spectators at serious risk.

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“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.

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

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The concerns come after new analysis by the World Weather Attribution group 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.

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Scientists also warned that approximately five matches could exceed 28°C WBGT, conditions that FIFPRO considers unsafe for professional football.

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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.

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

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The scientists hope FIFA will revise its policies before the tournament begins next summer.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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However, critics argue that climate change is making summer sporting events increasingly dangerous, raising broader questions about the future of major tournaments in extreme weather conditions.

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