A global consortium of leading scientists has warned that the measures adopted by FIFA to protect players from heat during the 2026 World Cup are inadequate and could pose serious health risks. International health experts have criticized the guidelines developed by the football governing body as lacking scientific validation and “unsubstantiated.” They have called for clear standards to ensure player safety, including extended cooling breaks and the postponement of matches under extreme heat conditions.
The World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where heat is expected to present a significant challenge. Researchers have cautioned that 14 out of the 16 stadiums pose high-risk conditions due to elevated temperatures. In regions of South America and northern Mexico, daytime temperatures can reach up to 35 degrees Celsius and may climb as high as 40 degrees during peak summer months. The combination of temperature, humidity, airflow, and intense sunlight greatly increases the risk of excessive heat exposure and physical heat stress for players.
FIFA has affirmed its commitment to the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff. The organization stated that climate-related risks have been considered in the competition’s planning process. Based on a commitment to player welfare, FIFA has implemented a policy requiring three-minute cooling breaks during any weather conditions between the two halves of a match. For all games played outdoors, technical staff and substitute players will have access to climate-controlled rooms.
In the letter sent to FIFA, scientists urged that matches be suspended or rescheduled if Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 28 degrees Celsius. They also recommended cooling breaks of at least six minutes, the provision of well-equipped cooling facilities for players, and regular updates to safety protocols based on scientific evidence. FIFA has confirmed that a “heat mitigation tier model” will be used during the upcoming tournament, with appropriate measures taken as circumstances require.
