2026 World Cup Heat Risks in 14 Host Cities

Extreme heat threatens athletes, fans, workers, and officials at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set for June and July in 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Research shows wet-bulb globe temperatures, which measure heat stress by factoring in humidity, wind, and sun angle, could exceed 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) in afternoons in cities including Dallas and Houston in Texas, and Monterrey in Mexico.

Fourteen of the 16 host cities face extreme heat levels that could endanger players, match officials, and spectators, according to Donal Mullan, a senior lecturer at Queens University Belfast who led a study on the risks. Prolonged exposure during physical activity heightens chances of dehydration, nausea, headaches, heatstroke, and even death. Recent record-breaking U.S. temperatures in March have heightened concerns amid rising global temperatures linked to fossil fuel emissions.

Past tournaments underscore the dangers. Organizers shifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar from summer to winter to avoid lethal heat. A heatwave during last year's Club World Cup, with temperatures above 32 C, prompted the global players' union to warn of worsening issues...