World Cup 2026 could see players and fans face dangerous heat and humidity due to climate change, experts warn

This year's World Cup could see hazardous heat and humidity for players and fans at around a quarter of games, academics warned.

World Weather Attribution (WWA) says its analysis shows climate change has spiked the temperature risks for players and fans, compared to the last US-hosted World Cup in 1994.

Global players' union FIFPRO is also calling for protective measures ahead of this summer's tournament in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

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The meteorological and climate network said that of 104 games to be played during the 2026 World Cup, around 25% of all games are likely to be played when conditions exceed 26C (78.8F) on the wet bulb global temperature system - an index that considers how effectively the body can cool itself (WBGT).

When temperatures are above that benchmark, FIFPRO advises implementing safety measures such as cooling.

Games at risk of being played above the benchmark include the tournament final, hosted in New York and New Jersey on 19 July, as well as two quarter-finals and the third-place play-off.

WWA added that around five games are expected to occur when the WBGT is above 28C (82.4F), a level that FIFPRO considers to be unsafe for play and advises postponement.

A WBGT above 28C is equivalent to about 38C (100.4F) in dry heat, or 30C (86F) in high humidity.

The WWA noted that in Dallas and Houston, while stadiums are cooled, fans face a one-in-three chance of enduring temperatures above 28C WBGT outside the arena for most matches.

Dr Vincent Gouttebarge, FIFPRO medical director, said that WWA's calculations "are in line with FIFPRO's calculations published in 2023", and added: "These estimations justify the need for - and implementation of - a series of mitigation strategies with a view to better protecting players' health and performance when they are exposed to hot conditions."

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Dr Friederike Otto, professor of climate science at Imperial College London and part of WWA, said that the findings show "climate change is having a real and measurable impact on the viability of holding World Cups during the northern hemisphere summer".

He added: "The 1994 World Cup may not feel particularly distant to many adults today, yet half of human-induced climate change has happened since then.

"That the World Cup Final itself - one of the biggest sporting occasions on the planet - faces a non-insignificant risk of being played in 'cancellation-level' heat should be a wake-up call for FIFA and fans, highlighting the urgent need to realise that there is no aspect of society not affected by climate change."

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FIFA has previously announced that it would include three-minute hydration breaks 22 minutes into each half of every game at the World Cup, regardless of the temperature, the host country, or whether the stadium has a roof and air conditioning.

It said the move is a "streamlined and simplified version" of its earlier practice of having breaks after 30 minutes over a certain temperature threshold, once set at 32C (89.6F) WBGT.

That came after last year's Club World Cup - also held in the US - drew complaints from players and managers as matches took place in extreme heat.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez said he felt "really dizzy" while playing in "very dangerous" heat at the tournament, while England manager Thomas Tuchel has said he may have his substitutes stay in the dressing room during matches because of the risks posed by high temperatures.

(c) Sky News 2026: World Cup 2026 could see players and fans face dangerous heat and humidity due t