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Scientists denounce “inadequate” measures by FIFA. Temperatures in 14 of the 16 stadiums used could exceed levels considered dangerous. FIFA has already taken measures, but the group of experts demands more and better.
A group of scientists recently warned FIFA that the current heat safety measures planned for the 2026 Men’s World Cup are “inadequate” and could put players at risk. risk of serious harm for health.
In an open letter, international experts in health, climate and sports performance state that the entity’s guidelines are outdated in light of current scientific evidence and are “impossible to justify”.
Experts call on FIFA to adopt stricter protective measures, including longer cool-down breaks and clearer protocols for delay or postpone games in extreme conditions.
Heat is expected to be a problem during this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with researchers warning that temperatures in 14 of the 16 stadiums used could exceed levels considered dangerous.
In areas of the southern United States and northern Mexico, average maximum temperatures during the day are usually between 30°C and 35°C, and can approaching 40°C in warmer periods.
When factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and intensity of solar radiation are considered together, players in World Cup host cities are at greater risk of suffering extreme levels of heat stress in the body.
FIFA said it was “committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff” and said weather-related risks are assessed as part of tournament planning.
What are the current measures?
As part of its “commitment to player welfare”, FIFA has introduced mandatory three-minute cool-down breaks in each half of all games of the tournament, regardless of weather conditions.
There will also be air-conditioned seats for technical teams and reserves in all games played in open-air stadiums.
FIFA also uses the measure considered the gold standard to assess heat in sport: the Globe and Wet Bulb Temperature (WBGT), which measures thermal stress in the body by combining temperature and humidity. A WBGT value around 28°C is widely considered a threshold at which heat stress becomes a significant concern for elite athletes.
According to FIFA’s emergency medical assistance manual, if the WBGT reading is close to or above 32°C, match organizers must decide “what precautions must be taken to avoid any heat-related illness”.
FIFA also states that it has measures in place for fans at games “when forecasts indicate high temperatures”. You spectators will be able to take a factory-sealed bottle of water with themand the stadiums will activate additional cooling measuresincluding shaded areas, water spray systems, air-conditioned buses and reinforcement of water distribution.
What do scientists ask?
The 20 experts who signed the letter include leading academics from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Europe. Everyone wants FIFA to urgently overhaul its approach, including:
- postponement or suspension of games when WBGT exceeds 28°C;
- longer cool-down breaks of at least six minutes;
- better cooling structures for players;
- regular updates to guidance based on the latest scientific evidence.
Experts also call on FIFA to adopt the standards proposed by the global players’ union FIFPRO.
“Irresponsible with players’ health”
Andrew Simms, director of the New Weather Institute and coordinator of the letter, told the BBC that “player safety is an immediate and urgent concern because things can go wrong very quickly when people overheat.”
“We are concerned that FIFA is acting irresponsibly in relation to the health and safety of players,” he highlighted.
Another signatory, Douglas Casa, stated that much of FIFA’s current guidance is far from ideal. “The hydration break in each part absolutely must be longer than three minutes — at least five minutes per break and, preferably, six,” he said. “We hope this open letter will convince FIFA to update its heat guidance ahead of the World Cup.”
Why the 2026 World Cup is worrying
Extreme weather conditions are expected to have an impact on the 2026 World Cup. Heat, storms and even poor air quality caused by forest fires are part of the summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the countries that will host the tournament.
New analysis from World Weather Attribution reveals that players and fans will face a much greater risk of intense heat and humidity during the tournament, compared to the 1994 World Cup, also held in North America.
Scientists concluded that about a quarter of games must be played in temperatures above 26°C WBGTwhile approximately five games could exceed WBGT’s 28°C — the equivalent of about 38°C in dry heat or 30°C in high humidity conditions — a level that global players’ union FIFPRO considers insecure for sports practice.
According to WWA, the risk of even more extreme conditions has almost doubled since 1994 due to climate change.
What did FIFA say?
FIFA declined to comment directly on the letter or the scientists’ claims, but said it will use a “staggered heat mitigation model” during the tournament, with measures adapted to real-time conditions.
A spokesperson reinforced that there will be dedicated meteorological support throughout the competition, both centrally and in the host cities, with WBGT and heat index monitoring to guide decision-making.
According to the organization, the calendar was planned taking into account the weather, with adjusted game start times, limiting matches in the hottest periods whenever possible and giving priority to games in hotter conditions in indoor stadiums.
FIFA also stated that the calendar seeks to minimize travel and maximize rest days based on specific heat risk assessments in each location. It said it will continue to monitor conditions in real time and apply contingency measures where necessary, adding that it is working with local authorities and medical experts to ensure a “safe and resilient” tournament.
