In addition to the discomfort, scientists warn that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and could directly affect the tournament schedule
The ball hasn’t even rolled yet, but the next World Cup already has an opponent named by experts: the weather. The combination of intense heat, high humidity, electrical storms and even smoke from forest fires can cause delays, interruptions and unprecedented challenges for players, fans and organizers during the tournament that will be played between June 11 and July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The problem is not new to anyone who knows the North American summer. In several cities that will host matches, temperatures above 30°C are often routine — often accompanied by high levels of humidity that significantly increase the thermal sensation and make physical recovery difficult.
In addition to the discomfort, scientists warn that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and could directly affect the tournament schedule.
Stoppage for hours
In the United States, sporting protocols determine the automatic interruption of outdoor events when lightning is recorded within an approximate radius of 13 to 16 kilometers from the match location.
The rule provides for a minimum break of 30 minutes. The problem is that each new lightning resets this count — which can turn a quick interruption into hours of delay.
The alert gained strength after what happened at the 2025 Club World Cup, considered an operational test for the World Cup: six matches suffered significant delays due to weather conditions.
Experts fear that episodes like this will be repeated more frequently. According to climate researcher Kelsey Malloy, global warming has not yet made it possible to identify a definitive trend in the behavior of lightning, but there is an expectation of an increase in certain regions.
She explains that higher temperatures tend to intensify ascending air currents and increase the volume of rain — conditions that favor greater electrification of clouds and, consequently, more electrical discharges.
Another point of attention is that the risk is not always visible. Even without rain over the stadium, lightning can strike areas located several kilometers from the main storm.
Closed stadiums
To reduce risks, FIFA selected some stadiums with retractable roofs, air conditioning or both. Among them are arenas in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Vancouver.
But most of the games will continue to be played in fully open stadiums — which keeps the tournament exposed to the weather.
There is also concern about air quality. Recurring wildfires in parts of Canada and the American West have affected major sporting events in recent years and could trigger restrictions again.
Performance and health
If storms are a concern due to logistics, heat is a concern due to the physical impact. During last year’s Club World Cup, several matches took place with temperatures exceeding 32°C and an even greater thermal sensation due to the humidity.
A recent study by climate scientists concluded that around a quarter of World Cup games could take place under conditions classified as “exhausting heat”. Among them would even be the tournament decision, scheduled for MetLife Stadium.
To try to reduce risks, FIFA provides for mandatory hydration breaks at each half of matches. Even so, doctor and researcher Chris Mullington warns that some athletes may not be able to maintain their usual level of physical intensity.
For the public, the scenario may be even more delicate. Fans exposed to the sun for hours — especially those who consume alcoholic beverages — may be at greater risk of dehydration, dizziness, fatigue, drop in blood pressure and worsening of pre-existing medical conditions.
Recently, a group of professional players and former athletes led by Morten Thorsby submitted a petition to FIFA asking for changes to heat stress protocols for the 2026 World Cup. In the document, they state that extreme heat can cause mental confusion, exhaustion, cramps and, in more serious cases, medical emergencies.
The concern goes beyond football: the 2026 World Cup could end up becoming one of the biggest tests ever for sporting events in an era of climate change.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
