The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for June 11-July 19 in the United States, Mexico and Canada, is causing serious concern due to expected weather conditions. Several experts warn of extreme temperatures likely to endanger the health of players, officials and spectators.
According to a recent study, some host cities could record a felt temperature exceeding 46 °C, or even approaching 50 °C in the most extreme cases. The most exposed areas include Arlington and Houston, Texas, as well as Monterrey, Mexico. As Donal Mullan, lecturer at Queen's University Belfast, explains: Almost all home venues, 14 out of 16, experience extreme heat levels, which could be potentially dangerous for players, match officials and perhaps spectators as well. "
The competition will take place in the middle of the North American summer period, where episodes of intense heat are increasingly frequent, particularly under the effect of climate change. A very different situation from that of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which was exceptionally postponed to winter to avoid these risks.
Faced with these concerns, FIFA is planning several adaptation measures. Three-minute hydration breaks will be systematically granted in the middle of each half, whatever the weather conditions. Teams will also be able to make up to five substitutions, benefit from at least three days of rest between matches, and have air-conditioned benches during outdoor matches. For Donal Mullan, these measures will need to be strengthened: "FIFA really needs to do more. More attention needs to be paid to refreshing breaks, access to water and cool towels, all of which can help lower body temperature. "
While the 2026 World Cup promises to be the largest ever organized, the issue of heat could well become one of the main challenges of the competition.
