Two World Cup matches were played in severe heat, according to an analysis by The Guardian. The games, held in Miami and Monterrey, reached wet-bulb temperatures of 28°C (82°F) or above, a threshold that the global players' union Fifpro has previously argued should lead to match delays or postponements.
Heat Conditions at the World Cup
The analysis of the first 24 matches of the 2026 World Cup, which is being held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, found that Saudi Arabia's game against Uruguay in Miami had the most severe heat conditions among stadiums without air conditioning. The second most severe was Sweden versus Tunisia in Monterrey. Both matches, despite evening kick-offs, were played under extreme heat stress.
Wet-bulb temperature, which combines air temperature, humidity, and cloud cover, measures how well the human body can cool itself through sweating. At high levels, sweat cannot evaporate, leading to rapid overheating and potential health risks.
Fifa's Response and Mitigation Measures
Fifa has moved some kick-off times later in the day and introduced mandatory water breaks. Several of the 16 venues have roofs or air conditioning that reduce heat. For instance, England's match against Croatia in Dallas had a wet-bulb temperature of nearly 35°C (95°F) outside, but air conditioning brought it down to 22°C (71°F) inside.
In total, six of the first 24 matches were held where wet-bulb temperatures hit 28°C or above. These include Germany versus Curacao in Houston, Saudi Arabia versus Uruguay in Miami, Portugal versus DR Congo in Houston, the Netherlands versus Japan in Dallas, and England versus Croatia in Dallas. The Houston stadium also has air conditioning.
Concerns for Fans and Workers
Record-high temperatures have caused fans to struggle in shadeless heat, and stadium workers face potentially hazardous conditions. Current Fifa guidelines mandate cooling breaks at 32°C (89°F) or above, though breaks have occurred at lower temperatures during this tournament. Delay or suspension of games is at the discretion of organizers.
Heat and public health experts, including Robbie Parks of Columbia University, have urged Fifa to implement more extensive protections. Parks noted that shade and hydration are critical, and suggested allowing fans to bring water and using misters for evaporative cooling.
Broader Climate Context
Extreme heat is the deadliest hazard worsened by the climate crisis, causing more deaths annually than hurricanes, floods, and wildfires combined. The World Cup itself is expected to generate 7.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, double the emissions of the previous tournament in Qatar, according to Greenly, a carbon accounting platform.
A Fifa spokesperson stated that the organization is committed to protecting health and safety, with meteorologists stationed at venues and a tiered mitigation model for extreme temperatures. Measures include mandatory hydration breaks, cooling tools, and medical protocols for heat exertion. Fifa will continue to monitor conditions in real time and apply contingency protocols if needed.
