Sávio Bortolini Pimentel, a former professional soccer player, recalls the intense heat during the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Players in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup may face even higher temperatures, according to a report from researchers at Imperial College London. The report indicates that five games could occur in unsafe heat conditions, an increase from three games in 1994. The report uses a threshold of wet bulb globe temperatures of 28°C (83°F) for unsafe conditions, while FIFA currently considers postponements only at temperatures exceeding 32°C (90°F).
Chris Mullington, a consultant anesthetist at Imperial College London, explained that high humidity can significantly affect the body's ability to cool itself. An open letter from 60 current and former professional players urges FIFA to revise its heat guidelines before the World Cup. The players highlighted the physical challenges posed by extreme heat, including fatigue and reduced performance.
Professor Friederike Otto from Imperial College London noted that climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme heat during the tournament. The final match, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, has a 12.5% chance of exceeding 26°C (79°F) and a 3% chance of reaching 28°C (83°F).
The report indicates that nearly 25% of World Cup games may be played in temperatures above 26°C, with about five matches expected to exceed 28°C. Under extreme heat, athletes may experience increased heart rates and fatigue, with the risk of heat-related illnesses rising significantly.
Experts suggest that FIFA should implement cooling strategies in stadiums and extend hydration breaks to ensure player safety. Additionally, they recommend providing free water-filling stations for fans to mitigate heat-related health risks during the event.