Nearly one in five matches at the 2026 World Cup were played in heat and humidity levels that a football players' union has previously said should warrant delays or postponements, a Guardian analysis has found. The tournament, held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, saw 20 out of 104 matches (19%) reach wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) estimates of 28°C (82°F) or higher, the threshold Fifpro has argued for triggering heat-related delays.
Climate crisis impacts football
“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,” Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations climate body, said in an emailed comment. The findings underscore a broader challenge as global warming makes extreme heat more frequent and intense, raising questions about the safety of major tournaments for players and spectators.
The analysis examined conditions for all 104 matches, including forecasts for the two remaining games. An additional 23 matches were played in cities that reached those heat levels, but in air-conditioned stadiums that mitigated conditions.
Hottest games and player safeguards
The hottest game in a non-air-conditioned stadium occurred on July 4 in Philadelphia, where France faced Paraguay in a round of 16 match. Temperatures at the stadium reportedly reached 38°C (100°F), with WBGT possibly exceeding 33.9°C (93°F). The overall hottest game was Argentina vs. Austria on June 22 in Dallas, Texas, played in an air-conditioned stadium, but outside temperatures on asphalt reached 50°C (122°F).
Fifa did not respond to a request for comment but previously stated it stationed meteorologists at venues, provided mandatory hydration breaks, and offered water, electrolyte drinks, ice, cold towels, fans, mist, and shade. “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,” Fifpro previously told the Guardian.
Risks for spectators and future tournaments
Joshua L. DeVincenzo, assistant director at Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness, said: “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.” He noted long walking distances, unshaded areas, and sun-exposed seating increased heat stress risks for fans.
The 2030 World Cup, to be staged in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, faces even greater heat challenges, while Saudi Arabia’s 2034 tournament will shift to the northern hemisphere winter to avoid summer temperatures above 40°C (104°F).
