The 2026 World Cup: A New Era of Climate Challenges
As the world prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, researchers and scientists are sounding the alarm about the growing risks posed by extreme heat and unpredictable weather patterns. This will be the first World Cup directly influenced by climate change, with environmental conditions expected to play a critical role in shaping the tournament.
One of the most vivid examples of the impact of heat on football came during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. On June 30, 2014, France faced Nigeria at the Mané-Garrincha Stadium in Brasília. The oppressive heat made the match feel like a slow, grueling battle. Players struggled with dehydration, fatigue, and a lack of clarity on the field. Karim Benzema, reflecting on the match, noted that the conditions were extremely challenging, particularly in the first half. Raphaël Varane, after the game, was hospitalized due to severe dehydration, highlighting the real physical toll of playing in such conditions.
Climate Risks Across the 2026 World Cup
A recent study conducted by Davide Faranda and Dimitri Defrance, two environmental science researchers, has identified significant climatic risks for the upcoming World Cup. According to their findings, many of the matches will be played under extreme heat and humidity. Areas such as Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, and Houston in the U.S., as well as Monterrey in Mexico, are highlighted as high-risk zones. These regions face a combination of thunderstorms, hail, abnormally high temperatures, and tornadoes, while coastal areas like Miami and Houston are expected to deal with humid heat that could be dangerous for players and spectators alike.
Even teams that believe they have avoided the worst conditions, such as Les Bleus (the French national team), may not be entirely safe. Their opening match against Senegal in New York is ranked among the high-heat-risk games. According to the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network, a quarter of the matches will be played in extreme heat and humidity levels, measured by the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index. A WBGT above 28 is considered extremely hot, equivalent to 38°C in dry conditions or 30°C in very humid conditions.
How Heat Affects the Game
The effects of heat on football are not just physical but also tactical. Sébastien Racinais, a performance research engineer specializing in environmental stress, explains that while the number of goals or total distance covered may not always be affected, the intensity of play changes significantly. Players tend to cover less distance at high intensity and more at low intensity, causing the game to slow down. This shift can lead to more accurate passes, longer ball possession, and fewer high-intensity runs.
Racinais emphasizes that these findings are crucial for coaches, who must adjust their strategies accordingly. If a coach plans a game based on high-intensity runs, it may not work because players will not be able to sustain such efforts. The human body, under heat stress, becomes less efficient, making it harder to perform at peak levels.
Preparing for the Heat
To cope with the challenges of extreme heat, acclimatization is essential. Franck Brocherie, an exercise physiology researcher at Insep, explains that athletes need time to adapt to hot and humid conditions. This process can take anywhere from 7 to 14 days, depending on individual responses. During this period, athletes learn to sweat more efficiently, regulate their body temperature, and manage discomfort.
While the French Football Federation does not have an environmental chamber like some other sports, Les Bleus will still need to prepare for the heat. If they advance to the semifinals in Dallas, where temperatures are expected to be extremely high, they will face significant thermal stress. The medical staff has implemented a protocol, including ice scarves and monitoring player feedback, to help manage the conditions.
FIFA’s Response to Climate Challenges
FIFA has also taken steps to address the risks posed by extreme heat. Cooling breaks have been mandated for all matches if the WBGT index exceeds 32 degrees. While this measure is intended to protect players, some speculate that it may also serve as an opportunity for additional advertising. However, the primary goal is to prevent serious health issues, such as exertional heat stroke, which can occur when body temperature exceeds 40.6°C.
Symptoms like facial redness, nausea, cramps, vomiting, headaches, and breathing difficulties can indicate heat-related illness. Immediate action is required to cool down and prevent potentially fatal outcomes. Despite these precautions, football has so far been relatively spared from serious heat-related incidents. Unlike marathon runners, who cannot reduce their effort, football players can adjust their pace and strategy.
Air Conditioning and Other Measures
Some stadiums, particularly in Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta, will be air-conditioned. However, this does not eliminate all challenges. Players will still need to train outside and move between hot and cooled environments, which can cause additional strain. Davide Faranda notes that the lack of air conditioning in Kansas City’s stadium is surprising, given the potential health risks.
As climate change continues to reshape the world, it is clear that the 2026 World Cup will be a test of both athletic performance and environmental adaptation. With rising temperatures and unpredictable weather, the game itself may evolve in ways we have yet to fully understand.
