Scientists warn Fifa over inadequate heat safety at 2026 World Cup

Twenty leading scientists say Fifa's heat measures for the 2026 World Cup are insufficient and risk player safety.

Scientists issue urgent warning A coalition of twenty globally recognized scientists has publicly criticized Fifa’s existing heat safety protocols for the men’s 2026 World Cup, claiming they are dangerously insufficient and could expose players to severe health risks. In an open letter addressed to the governing body, experts specializing in health, climate science, and athletic performance argue that current guidelines contradict established research and lack justification. They demand immediate improvements, including extended cooling pauses and stricter criteria for postponing matches when conditions become hazardous. The group underscores that the existing framework fails to align with the most recent scientific evidence. ## Tournament set to face extreme heat The upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is expected to contend with significant heat challenges, with researchers predicting that fourteen of the sixteen venues could experience temperatures surpassing dangerous thresholds. In several southern U.S. cities and northern Mexican regions, daytime highs commonly reach the mid-to-high 30s Celsius, frequently climbing to 40C during peak heatwaves. When accounting for factors such as humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation, players in these host locations face heightened risks of extreme physiological heat stress. The combination of these environmental variables could push the body beyond safe operating limits during matches. ## Fifa outlines current safety measures Fifa asserts its dedication to safeguarding all participants, stating that health and safety considerations for players, referees, spectators, volunteers, and staff are central to tournament planning. The organization has mandated three-minute cooling breaks in each half of every match, irrespective of environmental conditions, to fulfill this commitment to athlete welfare. Additionally, climate-controlled seating areas will be provided for technical staff and substitutes at all outdoor matches. Fifa relies on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) as its primary heat assessment tool, which measures combined heat and humidity to evaluate physical stress on athletes. A WBGT reading near or above 32C signals a critical threshold where elite athletes face substantial heat-related threats. ## Existing protocols fall short According to Fifa’s emergency care guidelines, when WBGT levels approach or exceed 32C, match organizers must collaborate to implement precautions that prevent heat-related illnesses. To assist fans, the governing body has also introduced temperature-sensitive provisions, including allowing sealed water bottles inside stadiums and activating extra cooling infrastructure such as shaded zones, misting stations, mobile cooling units, and expanded water distribution systems. However, the organization has not disclosed specific outcomes or enforcement details related to these fan-focused measures. All cooling interventions are coordinated alongside real-time meteorological assessments. ## Scientists demand stronger protections The signatories of the open letter, hailing from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, are urging Fifa to revamp its heat safety framework with several key reforms. They insist on delaying or rescheduling matches when WBGT exceeds 28C, extending cooling breaks to at least six minutes each, enhancing cooling infrastructure for players, and regularly updating guidelines to reflect the latest scientific findings. The experts also advocate adopting heat safety standards proposed by Fifpro, the global players’ union. These recommendations aim to create a more robust and responsive safety net for athletes facing extreme conditions. ## Critics label approach reckless Andrew Simms, director of the New Weather Institute and coordinator of the letter, expressed grave concern that Fifa’s approach to player safety is dangerously inadequate, warning that overheating can lead to rapid and severe health consequences. He emphasized that player wellbeing should take immediate priority, cautioning that any delay in action could result in preventable harm. Professor Douglas Casa from the University of Connecticut, another signatory, criticized the current hydration break duration as insufficient, arguing that three minutes is far too short and advocating for at least five to six minutes per break. The collective appeal urges Fifa to act before the tournament begins. ## Climate risks escalate for 2026 The 2026 World Cup is anticipated to face multifaceted environmental challenges, including extreme heat, electrical storms, and degraded air quality from wildfires across the host nations. A recent analysis by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group indicates that players and fans are now exposed to substantially greater risks of oppressive heat and humidity than during the 1994 World Cup, held in the same continent. The study estimates that approximately one-quarter of matches could be played at WBGT levels exceeding 26C, while around five fixtures may surpass 28C WBGT—a threshold Fifpro deems unsafe for professional competition. The WWA further notes that the probability of such extreme conditions has nearly doubled since 1994 due to ongoing climate change. ## Fifa responds with tiered strategy Fifa declined to address the scientists’ letter or their specific claims directly but highlighted the implementation of a tiered heat mitigation model tailored to real-time conditions throughout the tournament. The governing body confirmed the deployment of specialized meteorological support both centrally and in each host city, using WBGT and heat index data to guide decisions. Scheduling adjustments have been made with climate considerations in mind, including shifts to cooler time slots, avoidance of matches during peak heat periods where feasible, and prioritization of games in covered stadiums. The revised schedule also seeks to minimize travel distances and maximize rest periods based on location-specific heat risk evaluations. ## Fifa commits to ongoing monitoring Fifa emphasized that it will continuously monitor environmental conditions during the World Cup and activate contingency measures whenever necessary to ensure safety. The organization is collaborating closely with local authorities and medical professionals to develop a resilient and secure tournament environment. It reiterated its pledge to protect the health of all participants, including players, referees, staff, volunteers, and spectators, through adaptive and science-based interventions. While Fifa did not provide further elaboration on specific contingency actions, it assured that decisions would be data-driven and responsive to evolving circumstances.