Scientists and medical experts have warned FIFA that its current heat safety measures for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are “inadequate” and could expose players and fans to serious health risks.
According to BBC Sport, a group of medical experts, climate researchers, and sports scientists signed an open letter urging FIFA to adopt stricter heat-protection measures proposed by FIFPRO.
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The experts warned that rising temperatures across the tournament’s three host nations, the United States, Canada and Mexico, could place athletes and spectators at significant risk during the competition scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Experts demand stricter heat protocols
In the letter to FIFA, the scientists argued that FIFA’s current guidelines are “out of step with the current science” and “impossible to justify.”
They called for stronger protections, including longer cooling breaks and clearer rules for delaying or postponing matches in dangerous heat.
Heat concerns have already prompted FIFA to mandate cooling breaks during each half of matches at the expanded 48-team tournament.
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However, climate experts say the measures may not be sufficient.
Climate scientists raise alarm
World Weather Attribution stated that players and supporters face a much greater risk from heat and humidity compared to the 1994 World Cup hosted in North America.
Scientific analysis by the group estimates that 26 of the tournament’s 104 matches could be played in conditions reaching at least 26C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a measurement that assesses how effectively the human body can cool itself under heat, humidity, sunlight and wind.
At 26C WBGT, FIFPRO recommends mandatory cooling breaks because heat strain becomes a serious risk for players.
Five matches are projected to reach 28C WBGT or higher, a level at which FIFPRO advises games should be delayed or postponed for safety reasons.
Concerns for players and fans
Friederike Otto, co-founder of World Weather Attribution and climate science professor at Imperial College London, warned that the dangers extend beyond players.
“It’s dangerous for players, but of course, there are also the fans who might gather outdoors, and they are at even more risk,” Otto said.
Three stadiums in Dallas, Houston and Atlanta are equipped with air-conditioning systems, but more than a third of matches expected to exceed dangerous heat levels will take place in venues without cooling infrastructure.
The World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 is also considered vulnerable, with researchers estimating a one-in-eight chance of conditions reaching 26C WBGT.
FIFA responds to concerns
FIFA said it remains “committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff” and added that climate-related risks are being assessed as part of tournament planning.
Researchers have warned that temperatures in parts of the southern United States and northern Mexico could regularly exceed 30C during the tournament, with some regions approaching 40C during extreme heat periods.
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