Scientists and medical experts have renewed concerns over player and fan safety ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that extreme heat could create dangerous conditions during the tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A group of specialists has criticised FIFA’s current heat-protection framework, arguing that existing measures do not go far enough to address the risks posed by rising temperatures. The experts believe the governing body is underestimating the threat of heat stress, particularly at venues in the southern United States and Mexico where summer temperatures can regularly exceed 30°C.
Their concerns are backed by recent climate studies suggesting that around a quarter of the tournament’s 104 matches could be played in conditions that exceed recommended safety thresholds for elite athletes. Researchers estimate that the risk of extreme heat during the competition has nearly doubled compared with the 1994 World Cup, which was also hosted in North America.
Medical professionals are calling for stronger safeguards, including greater flexibility to delay or reschedule matches when temperatures become hazardous. Some have warned that relying solely on cooling breaks may not provide sufficient protection in the most severe conditions.
FIFA has defended its preparations, stating that a range of mitigation measures will be in place. These include mandatory cooling breaks, weather monitoring systems, hydration protocols and the use of stadiums equipped with climate-control technology where possible. The organisation says decisions will be guided by real-time weather data throughout the tournament.
Experts have also highlighted potential dangers for supporters attending matches and outdoor fan events, especially in cities expected to experience high humidity and prolonged heatwaves. Some scientists have suggested that future summer tournaments may need to consider different scheduling approaches to reduce health risks.
The expanded 48-team World Cup begins on 11 June and will run until 19 July, making it the largest tournament in the competition’s history.