The impact of climate change has reached the world of football.
This year’s World Cup witnessed nearly one in five of its over 100 matches conducted under heat and humidity conditions that a players’ union has previously indicated should prompt delays or cancellations, according to a recent analysis. Additionally, 23 matches occurred in cities where heat levels were concerning, but the stadiums were equipped with air conditioning to alleviate the conditions.
Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations climate organization, commented, “The climate crisis is hitting the things we all need, like a stable climate, clean air and affordable food, as well as the things we love, like football and other sports,”
The analysis examined the weather conditions during the tournament’s 104 matches, including the 102 already played and forecasts for the remaining two.
This situation highlights the increasingly serious challenge that football faces as global temperatures rise. The climate crisis is intensifying extreme heat, raising critical concerns about the safety of players and fans during major sporting events.
Joshua L DeVincenzo, assistant director at Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness, stated, “The 2026 Fifa World Cup matches have introduced a true stress test of heat mitigation and preparedness,”
The analysis arrives amid a record-breaking heatwave affecting much of the United States, with over 125 million Americans from California to New England under hazardous heat alerts. The final match on Sunday is expected to occur in conditions with a wet bulb globe temperature just below 26C (79F), with low humidity helping to mitigate the effects of elevated air temperatures. However, another climate-related concern looms: wildfire smoke is predicted to further compromise air quality in the region, with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani cautioning about potential health risks.
According to the analysis, approximately 20 matches were conducted in conditions where wet bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) likely reached or exceeded 28C (82F).
Under such circumstances, the players’ union Fifpro has argued that matches should be postponed or delayed to safeguard the health of footballers. Risks extend to other attendees, as noted by DeVincenzo.
“Fifa, spectators, stadium operators, and others … were tested firsthand on the disruptions and complications that extreme heat and weather can pose.” he said.
Fifa did not provide a response to a request for comment. The organization previously communicated that it had been employing meteorologists at match venues to prepare for extreme weather, and that tournament planning involved “We learned from this World Cup that, in addition to player safety and health, important precautions must be considered for spectators, volunteers and stadium staff long before the day of the match,” with local organizers, stadium authorities, and national agencies. This year, players were granted mandatory hydration breaks and access to water, electrolyte beverages, ice, cold towels, fans, mist, and shaded areas, according to Fifa.
While Fifpro opted not to comment on the latest analysis, it previously informed that, “The lesson for everyone in the industry is that with a warming planet, heat conditions will play a bigger part in tournament and league scheduling decisions in the future.”
WBGT readings combine humidity, direct sunlight, and wind to deliver a more precise assessment of heat stress and the body’s ability to cool itself through perspiration. At elevated levels of heat and humidity, the body’s ability to sweat and cool itself diminishes, leading to rapid overheating that can result in heat-related illnesses or death.
Official WBGT measurements require specialized equipment on-site, but approximations were compiled based on air temperature and humidity data for each match, utilizing information from the open-source weather service Open-Meteo. Estimates were derived using a formula developed by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, which is employed by institutions including the Canadian military.
The hottest match conducted in a non-air-conditioned stadium took place on the Fourth of July in Philadelphia. During the round of 16 match between France and Paraguay, temperatures at the stadium reportedly soared to 38C (100F), and the WBGT during the game may have reached or surpassed 33.9C (93F), according to the analysis.
The overall hottest match was held on June 22 in Dallas, Texas, where Argentina defeated Austria 2-0. Although this game occurred in one of the three fully air-conditioned World Cup 2026 stadiums (the others being in Houston and Atlanta), it still exposed those outside the venue to oppressive conditions. For instance, the asphalt outside the stadium reportedly reached a hazardous 50C (122F).
DeVincenzo emphasized the need for enhanced protections for individuals outside World Cup venues, particularly those entering or exiting matches, or participating in fan festival events.
“Spectator experiences created a secondary risk in the heat; factors such as long walking distances without cover, unshaded areas, sun-exposed seating in the stadium, and long wait times in heat-emitting spaces like parking lots put people at a much higher risk of heat stress and related injuries,” he said. “These experiences can be addressed ahead of future games by training volunteers to identify signs of heat stress and to know the appropriate actions to take when fans experience dizziness, fainting, or falls.”
Each match held in Dallas, Houston, and Miami appears to have been contested under conditions that exceeded the 33.9C threshold. In Miami, which lacks air conditioning, players, staff, and fans experienced WBGT readings of around 32.5C (90.5F) during Norway’s match against England last weekend. Temperatures reached 33C (91.4F) with 65% humidity, causing sweat to pour off every face in the venue.
With record-setting heat and humidity expected to envelop the midwestern and eastern United States this week, conditions may become even more challenging for players and fans at some games. Looking ahead, the circumstances could deteriorate further.
For example, the 2030 World Cup is slated to be hosted across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, all of which are already facing significantly heightened extreme heat due to the climate crisis. Four years later, Saudi Arabia is anticipated to host the 2034 tournament during the northern hemisphere winter, a scheduling adjustment designed to bypass summer temperatures that often exceed 40C (104F).
