World Cup 2026: Heat Risk Impacts Quarter of Matches, Scientists Report

A scientific analysis projects 26 of 104 matches in the 2026 World Cup could occur in conditions reaching at least 26C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). This index measures how the human body cools under heat, humidity, sun, and wind. World Weather Attribution, a network of climate scientists, released these findings on Thursday. The risk of extreme heat in North America has increased since the US hosted the 1994 tournament.

FIFA has mandated a cooling break during each half for matches played between June 11 and July 19 across 16 stadiums in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. At 26C WBGT, FIFPRO, the international footballers' union, recommends cooling breaks due to heat strain risks for players. Seventeen of the 26 projected high-heat matches will occur in stadiums equipped with cooling systems. During the 1994 World Cup, 21 games would have reached a similar heat threshold, according to WWA.

Researchers expect five games to be played in conditions of 28C WBGT or higher. FIFPRO guidelines suggest delaying or postponing matches at this level until conditions become safer. This risk has nearly doubled compared to the 1994 World Cup. Three of the 16 stadiums, located in Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, feature air conditioning. Over one-third of games with a 10% chance of exceeding 26C WBGT will take place in venues without air conditioning.

The final match, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, carries an 8% chance of experiencing 26C WBGT conditions. It also has a 2.7% risk of reaching 28C WBGT, WWA data indicates.