How extreme weather and heat could affect players at World Cup 2026
Summary
The 2026 World Cup in the US and Mexico is expected to have some of the hottest matches since the tournament began, with several venues experiencing high temperatures. Experts say heat can make it harder for players to cool down, possibly causing dehydration and fatigue, but teams are preparing with training and cooling systems.Key Facts
- The 2026 World Cup could be the hottest on record since 1930 due to rising global temperatures.
- Some venues, like Dallas, Houston, Miami, and those in Mexico, are expected to have average daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F).
- Six stadiums will have air conditioning, but others will not, increasing heat risks for some matches.
- About 26 out of 104 matches could face temperatures above 26°C (79°F) on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature scale, which measures how well the body can cool itself.
- High heat and humidity make sweating less effective, increasing the chance of dehydration, muscle cramps, and fatigue for players.
- Players from hotter countries may have an advantage since they are used to training in warm climates.
- Teams use performance coaches and medical staff to help players adjust to the heat before and during the tournament.
- Some European players showed signs of struggle in recent heat training sessions, but team leaders say heat will not heavily impact performance.
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