As global temperatures continue to rise, scientists are warning that hosting major football tournaments during the Northern Hemisphere summer poses serious health risks to players and fans. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is under scrutiny due to the extreme heat conditions experienced during recent events like the FIFA Club World Cup.
Rising Concerns from Scientists and Players
The Club World Cup, held across 11 American cities from 14 June to 13 July 2025, highlighted the dangers of extreme heat. Players complained of dizziness and exhaustion, prompting FIFA to implement extra water breaks and provide additional cooling at team benches. However, experts argue these measures may not be enough.
Professor Piers Forster, director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures, emphasized that without major changes — such as shifting tournaments to winter months or cooler regions — the risk of heat-related tragedy grows each year. “We are only one heatwave away from a sporting disaster,” he warned.
Climatologist Friederike Otto echoed this, suggesting that games would need to be played only in the early morning or late evening to avoid health risks like heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
Documented Impact of Climate Change
Since the inaugural World Cup in 1930, average global summer temperatures (June–August) have increased by over 1°C, and European summers have warmed by 1.8°C, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The effects have accelerated since the 1990s, creating new challenges for outdoor sports.
During the Club World Cup, FIFA adjusted its extreme heat protocol to accommodate for rising temperatures, but incidents like Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández’s reported dizziness during a match underscored the limitations of such short-term fixes.
2026 and Beyond: A Heat Challenge
The global players’ union, FIFPRO, has flagged that six of the 16 cities hosting the 2026 World Cup are at “extremely high risk” of heat stress. FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the concern, stating that covered stadiums would be prioritized for daytime matches.
Looking further ahead, the 2030 World Cup — to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco — is scheduled for mid-June to mid-July. All three countries have recently recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C, raising additional alarm.
Despite this, FIFA’s own evaluation downplayed the risks, suggesting that while climate conditions are unpredictable, they are “unlikely” to affect participants’ health.
Medical Warnings and Adaptation Challenges
Medical experts highlight that playing 90 minutes of football under intense heat can lead to hyperthermia and cardiovascular strain, increasing the risk of severe conditions like heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Adjustments like early morning or late evening matches — already adopted in marathons and Olympic events — are rarely applied to football due to broadcasting and scheduling constraints.
With the number of teams rising from 32 to 48 in 2026, FIFA faces scheduling pressures that may limit its ability to shift matches to safer times.
The Bigger Picture: Climate and Sport
Scientists like Michael Mann from the University of Pennsylvania argue that the issue is not just about player safety, but reflects a broader disruption caused by climate change. “This is symbolic of something bigger,” he said. “Climate change is challenging the very structure of how we live — including how we play and watch sport.”
FIFA has not yet confirmed whether it is reconsidering the summer scheduling of future tournaments like those in 2030 or 2034 (to be hosted by Saudi Arabia), despite calls from health experts and climate scientists for a serious calendar overhaul.
As the world heats up, the future of football — and the safety of those who play and watch it — may depend on how swiftly the sport adapts.
