How extreme weather and heat could affect players at the 2026 World Cup

Photos of European players training hard in the heat have raised concerns about the sweltering summer temperatures in the United States during the upcoming World Cup. Scientists have long warned that extreme heat could disrupt sporting events.

In May 2026, climate experts warned that one in four World Cup matches could be played in very hot conditions, affecting both players and fans. Those warnings came to life last week as social media was flooded with images of sunburned players—mostly from European teams accustomed to cooler climates—pouring water over themselves to cool down. The Norway national team even wore ice packs around their necks during a friendly against Morocco.

However, England captain Harry Kane quickly dismissed speculation about the impact of the heat, declaring it “won’t be a problem” thanks to the team’s World Cup training regimen.

What do experts say about temperatures in World Cup matches?

Al Jazeera weather presenter Everton Fox explained that the 2026 World Cup could be the hottest since the tournament began in 1930 due to rising global temperatures. “About half a dozen host venues are at risk of extreme heat; places like Dallas, Houston, Miami, and locations in Mexico are all likely to be sweltering,” Fox said.

Daytime temperatures in these locations are expected to average 28°C, though stadiums in Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta are air-conditioned. According to the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network, about 26 out of 104 matches could reach at least 26°C on the WBGT index—which measures the body’s cooling efficiency—while five matches are expected to occur at 28°C WB or higher. Of those 26 matches, 17 will be held in air-conditioned stadiums, mitigating risks for players and fans. But more than a third of the high-risk matches will take place at venues without air conditioning.

How does high heat affect athlete performance?

According to Fox, heat stress from increased humidity, solar radiation exposure, and wind speed will affect players running under direct sunlight. “All of this makes it harder for the body to cool down because sweat evaporates less quickly,” said Fox, a senior meteorologist with more than 30 years of experience.

Fitness coach Raiyan Abbasi explained that while the body sweats to regulate temperature, excessive sweating due to heat can lead to dehydration, cramps, and increased fatigue.

Are athletes accustomed to such high temperatures?

“Yes, most athletes will know how to handle this kind of heat because they are top-level players who train and compete in various conditions,” said Abbasi, who has worked as a fitness coach for English clubs Swansea and West Ham as well as the Pakistan national team. Teams will have fitness coaches and medical staff to ensure players are ready for the tournament, including heat adaptation—something Kane mentioned after his team’s 1-0 win over New Zealand in Tampa, Florida, where temperatures exceeded 30°C.

Do players from hot countries have an advantage?

World Cup teams whose players train in hotter climates may have a slight edge in adapting to high temperatures in the U.S. “But essentially, well-prepared and well-played nations can close that gap,” Abbasi said, adding that heat can also be used positively: “Heat is a crucial element for developing good athletes; one way to improve athletic ability is to train in hot environments. This can create significant adaptations in the body to improve thermoregulation.”

Could the World Cup be held before or after the summer in the U.S.?

Fox noted that international tournaments typically take place during the break between European seasons, which coincides with the 2026 World Cup schedule. “Ideally, the U.S. weather is most favorable in spring and fall, but then you have to consider the spring tornado season and the late-summer-to-fall hurricane season, not to mention domestic sports that locals care more about,” Fox said.

What measures has FIFA taken for players and fans?

FIFA said it has implemented a heat risk prevention plan, including measures such as three-minute cooling breaks in each half, cooling infrastructure for fans and players, adjusted work-rest cycles, and enhanced medical capacity adapted to real conditions. “Cooling breaks should probably be longer to be fully effective, but then you risk turning the match into four quarters,” Fox joked, though he suggested FIFA might limit matches to the northern U.S. and Canada. FIFA has also pushed back start times for some matches to avoid the hottest afternoon hours.