Scientists warn that extreme heat could threaten players and fans at the 2026 World Cup and urge FIFA to adopt stronger safety measures

Scientists and climate experts have raised urgent concerns over player and fan safety at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that extreme heat conditions could pose serious health risks across host nations.

Also read: Man City Cruise Past Crystal Palace to Intensify Arsenal Title Pressure

The warning follows growing concern about rising temperatures in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which will jointly host the tournament next summer.

In an open letter reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, medical professionals, climate researchers and sports scientists urged FIFA to adopt stronger heat protection measures recommended by FIFPRO, the global players’ union.

The experts stressed that 2026 World Cup heat safety concerns are no longer theoretical, warning that athletes could face rapid overheating during matches if conditions are not properly managed.

Andrew Simms, who coordinated the letter, said player welfare must be treated as an urgent priority.

“Player safety is an immediate and urgent concern because things can go wrong very quickly when people overheat,” he said.

He added that FIFA risks taking unnecessary chances with player health if stronger safeguards are not introduced before the tournament begins.

The concerns are supported by new analysis from the World Weather Attribution group, which found that around one quarter of matches could take place in conditions above 26°C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, a key threshold used to measure heat stress.

Scientists further warned that several fixtures could exceed 28°C WBGT, levels considered unsafe for professional football by FIFPRO standards.

Experts noted that the risk of extreme heat at the tournament has nearly doubled compared to the 1994 World Cup, which was also held in North America.

Beyond heat stress, researchers also highlighted additional risks such as thunderstorms and wildfire smoke, which could further disrupt matches and endanger participants.

FIFA has responded by outlining plans for a tiered heat mitigation model, which would adjust safety protocols based on real-time weather conditions during matches.

The organisation also said it will deploy meteorological monitoring systems across host cities, using WBGT readings and heat index data to guide scheduling decisions.

FIFA added that kick-off times were designed to reduce exposure to peak heat hours and that efforts were made to prioritise matches in covered or cooler venues.

Also read: Man City Cruise Past Crystal Palace to Intensify Arsenal Title Pressure

Despite these assurances, critics argue that climate change is increasingly reshaping global sport, raising difficult questions about the sustainability of hosting major tournaments during summer periods.