This year, at the World Cup, players and fans could face dangerous heat and humidity in approximately a quarter of the matches, scientists warn, UNN reports citing Sky News.
Details
World Weather Attribution (WWA) states that, according to its analysis, climate change has dramatically increased temperature risks for players and fans compared to the last World Cup held in the USA in 1994.
The global players' union FIFPRO is also calling for protective measures ahead of the summer tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
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The meteorological and climate network stated that out of the 104 matches scheduled for the 2026 World Cup, about 25% of all games are likely to be played at temperatures above 26°C according to the WBGT index, which takes into account how effectively the body can cool itself.
When temperatures exceed this level, FIFPRO recommends implementing safety measures, such as cooling breaks.
Games that could be played at temperatures above this threshold include the tournament final, which will take place in New York and New Jersey on July 19, as well as two quarter-finals and the third-place play-off.
WWA added that about five games are expected to be played at temperatures above 28°C, which FIFPRO considers dangerous for play and recommends postponing.
A WBGT temperature above 28°C is equivalent to approximately 38°C in dry heat conditions or 30°C in high humidity.
WWA noted that in Dallas and Houston, despite stadium cooling, there is a one-in-three chance that fans will experience temperatures above 28°C WBGT outside the arena during most matches.
Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge, FIFPRO Medical Director, stated that the WWA calculations "align with FIFPRO calculations published in 2023," adding: "These estimates justify the need for — and implementation of — a range of mitigation measures to better protect player health and performance under the impact of hot conditions."
Dr. Friederike Otto, Professor of Climate Science at Imperial College London and a member of WWA, stated that the findings show "climate change is having a real and measurable impact on the feasibility of hosting World Cups during the summer in the northern hemisphere."
He added: "To many adults today, the 1994 World Cup may not seem that long ago, yet half of human-induced climate change has occurred since then. The fact that the World Cup final itself — one of the biggest sporting events on the planet — faces a significant risk of being held in 'cancellation-level' heat should be a wake-up call for FIFA and fans, highlighting the urgent need to realize that there is no aspect of society unaffected by climate change."
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