A group of leading international scientists has issued a stark warning to FIFA, stating that the governing body’s current heat safety measures for the men’s 2026 World Cup are “inadequate” and could endanger players. The open letter, signed by experts in health, climate, and sports performance, argues that FIFA’s guidelines do not align with current scientific understanding and are “impossible to justify.” They are calling for enhanced player protections, including extended cooling breaks and more robust protocols for delaying or postponing matches during extreme heat conditions. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where researchers predict temperatures at 14 out of 16 stadiums could surpass dangerous levels.
The concern over heat is significant, particularly in the southern U.S. and northern Mexico, regions where average daytime highs frequently reach the low to mid-30s Celsius and can spike towards 40 degrees Celsius during heatwaves. When factors such as humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation are considered, players in these host cities face a heightened risk of severe heat stress, according to scientific analysis.
Context of Rising Temperatures and Player Welfare
The 2026 World Cup is poised to be significantly impacted by extreme weather. Analysis from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) indicates that players and fans will encounter a substantially higher risk of intense heat and humidity compared to the 1994 World Cup, which was also held on the same continent. This heightened risk is attributed to climate change, which has nearly doubled the likelihood of more extreme weather conditions since 1994.
Researchers have identified that approximately a quarter of the matches are likely to be played with a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) above 26°C. Furthermore, about five games could exceed the 28°C WBGT threshold, a level considered unsafe for elite athletes by the global players’ union, FIFPRO. This WBGT metric is the gold standard for measuring heat stress in sports, as it combines temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation to assess the physical strain on the body.
FIFA’s Current Measures and Scientific Demands
In response to player welfare concerns, FIFA has implemented mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in each half of every match, irrespective of the prevailing weather conditions. Additionally, all outdoor matches will feature climate-controlled benches for technical staff and substitutes. FIFA also states it uses the WBGT measure and has emergency protocols in place.
According to FIFA’s emergency care manual, if the WBGT reading approaches or exceeds 32°C, match organizers are required to discuss and implement precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. For spectators, FIFA plans to allow factory-sealed water bottles and activate additional cooling measures at venues, such as shaded areas, misting systems, and expanded water distribution, when high temperatures are forecast.
However, the group of 20 scientists, including leading academics from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe, are urging FIFA to significantly strengthen its approach. Their demands include delaying or postponing matches when the WBGT exceeds 28°C, increasing cooling breaks to at least six minutes, providing improved cooling facilities for players, and regularly updating guidelines based on the latest scientific research. They specifically advocate for FIFA to adopt the standards proposed by FIFPRO.
Expert Concerns and FIFA’s Response
Andrew Simms, director of the New Weather Institute and coordinator of the open letter, expressed deep concern, stating, “Player safety is an immediate and urgent concern because things can go wrong very quickly when people overheat.” He added, “We’re worried that FIFA is playing recklessly with the health and safety of players.”
Professor Douglas Casa from the University of Connecticut, another signatory, emphasized the inadequacy of the current cooling breaks. “The hydration break in each half absolutely needs to be longer than three minutes – at least five minutes for each break and preferably six,” he stated. “We hope this open letter convinces FIFA to update its heat guidelines before the World Cup.”
FIFA, while declining to comment directly on the letter, affirmed its commitment to player safety. A spokesperson stated that the organization will employ a “tiered heat mitigation model” adapted to real-time conditions. This model includes dedicated meteorological support, WBGT and heat index monitoring to inform decisions, and scheduling adjustments to minimize matches during peak heat hours and prioritize covered stadiums for warmer fixtures. FIFA also indicated that scheduling aims to reduce travel and maximize rest days based on location-specific heat risks.
Implications and Future Watch
The scientists’ warning highlights a critical tension between the demands of elite sports and the escalating realities of climate change. The 2026 World Cup, with its geographically diverse and potentially hot locations, serves as a high-profile test case for how major sporting bodies will adapt to a warming planet.
The implications for players are significant, ranging from reduced performance to serious health risks like heatstroke. For fans, extreme heat can also pose health dangers and diminish the overall experience of attending matches. The debate underscores the need for proactive, science-based protocols rather than reactive measures.
Moving forward, the focus will be on whether FIFA will heed the scientists’ calls and implement stronger protective measures. The effectiveness of FIFA’s “tiered heat mitigation model” and its real-time adjustments will be closely scrutinized throughout the tournament. Observers will also watch for any potential interventions from player unions like FIFPRO and the broader sports science community if extreme heat conditions arise.
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