Concerns about the 2026 World Cup over the heat wave in July have been in the air for months. Those are becoming a reality now, as the tournament falls on one of the hottest weeks of the year.
Forecasters are warning of potential thermal safety issues at some of the finals this week, with a powerful “heat dome” expected to spread across much of the United States and Canada, with furnace-like conditions and temperatures expected to exceed 43 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit) in some host cities.
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Which World Cup matches will be affected?
Toronto health officials are urging fans heading to Toronto Stadium for Thursday’s Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia to stay hydrated and limit their alcohol intake after Environment Canada issued a heat warning.
Michel Murti, the city’s medical officer of health, said temperatures could reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Celsius) because of the humidity.
Friday’s game between Colombia and Ghana in Kansas City will be held under a heat warning, with temperatures reaching a high of 43 degrees (110 degrees Celsius). Miami, where Argentina plays Cape Verde on Friday, is also expected to experience a moderate to major heat risk this weekend.
Saturday’s match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia could face similar conditions, with temperatures expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Celsius) and a heat index of up to 43 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Celsius). FIFA has already shortened the opening hours of its fan festival in the city due to the heat.
Which stadium is exposed to the most heat?
Not all stadiums are created equal.
Stadiums in Atlanta, Dallas and Houston have retractable roofs and air conditioning to protect players and fans once inside.
But in Toronto, which expanded stadium capacity with limited roof coverings for the World Cup, about 43,000 fans will be exposed to the sun’s rays for Thursday’s game between Portugal and Croatia.
The same goes for Philadelphia and Kansas City, which have capacities of about 68,000 and 69,000 people, respectively. Spectators will rely almost entirely on shade, misting stations, and cooling zones provided by organizers, rather than built-in climate control.
Why are fans being warned about walking to the stadium?
However, even if the game is indoors, walking to the stadium can come with its own risks.
Dallas meteorologists have warned that even though the temperature is around 32 degrees (90 degrees), the pavement outside the stadium could reach 50 degrees (122 degrees). That means fans walking from parking lots, stations and fan zones could get much hotter than expected.
“Concrete can actually absorb some of that heat,” said Jennifer Dunn, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “It can absorb it and reflect it back, further increasing the temperature of those surfaces.”
How will players be affected?
Even elite athletes can be at serious risk if their bodies overheat during intense exercise. Heat stroke can cause dehydration, dizziness, cramps, headaches, and extreme fatigue. In its most severe cases, it can cause exertional heat stroke and medical emergencies and is the third leading cause of death in athletes.
Heat can change the game itself. Athletes often sprint less and cover less ground to conserve energy and vary the pace and intensity of their matches.
What is FIFA doing to protect players?
Regardless of weather or whether the game is played indoors, each game requires two three-minute hydration breaks near the midway point of each half.
The suspension has been controversial, with many fans, coaches and players claiming it is a money-making opportunity for FIFA by disrupting the flow of matches and giving broadcasters more time to air commercials. However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino rejected the criticism, saying that the “main reason was the heat and that the organization gained ‘absolutely nothing’ from the break.”
In addition to hydration breaks, teams can make up to five substitutions. There will be at least three rest days between matches. Temperature-controlled benches will be available for staff and substitute players in outdoor stadiums.
FIFA announced in April that the schedule had been designed with heat in mind.
“Outdoor matches during the hottest parts of the day will be strategically limited, kick-off times will be adjusted in specific markets, and matches in covered stadiums and near warm windows will be prioritized wherever possible,” FIFA said.
This comes after the world players’ association FIFPRO warned that the extreme heat should serve as a “wake-up call” for the soccer world after last year’s Club World Cup in the United States.
How can you keep your fan safe in the heat?
Health experts recommend drinking water before you’re thirsty, resting in the shade or in air conditioning whenever possible, limiting alcohol, and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Medical teams will also be stationed at the FIFA Fan Festival venue and around the stadium to respond to heat-related illnesses. Some host cities are expanding access to shade, cooling areas and free water for fans and workers.
Experts say it’s also important to know the warning signs. Dizziness, confusion, extreme fatigue, and lack of sweating can all signal dangerous heat stroke. If your symptoms become severe, you should seek immediate medical attention.
