Scientists and climate experts are warning that players and fans could face dangerous heat conditions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and are urging FIFA to strengthen safety measures before the tournament begins.
In an open letter reported Thursday by BBC Sport, medical experts, climate researchers and sports scientists called on FIFA to adopt stricter heat protection standards recommended by FIFPRO, the global players’ union.
The experts said rising temperatures across the United States, Canada and Mexico — the three host nations — could pose serious risks to athletes and spectators.
“Player safety is an immediate and urgent concern because things can go wrong very quickly when people overheat,” said Andrew Simms, who coordinated the letter.
“We’re worried that FIFA is playing recklessly with the health and safety of players,” he added.
The warning follows new analysis from the World Weather Attribution group, which found that about one-quarter of World Cup matches could be played in conditions above 26 degrees Celsius wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), a measure used to assess heat stress.
Scientists said about five matches could exceed 28C WBGT, levels FIFPRO considers unsafe for professional football.
Experts said the risk of extreme heat at the tournament has nearly doubled compared with the 1994 World Cup, also held in North America.
They also warned that thunderstorms and wildfire smoke could disrupt matches during the summer competition.
The scientists urged FIFA to revise its policies before the tournament begins next summer.
FIFA said it will implement a “tiered heat mitigation model” during the tournament, with safety measures adjusted based on real-time weather conditions.
A FIFA spokesperson said the organization will provide meteorological monitoring across host cities using WBGT readings and heat indexes to guide match decisions.
FIFA also said kickoff schedules were designed with climate conditions in mind, including efforts to avoid midday heat and to prioritize covered stadiums for warmer fixtures.
The governing body said it will continue working with medical experts and local authorities to ensure a “safe and resilient” tournament.
Critics, however, argue that climate change is making summer sporting events increasingly dangerous and raising broader questions about the future of major tournaments in extreme weather.
