University of Toronto study finds 14 host cities at heat risk for FIFA World Cup 2026, advocating for player and fan safety

Heat Dangers for the FIFA World Cup 2026: As the world eagerly counts down to the FIFA World Cup 2026, researchers are raising red flags over the extreme heat conditions expected in many of the 16 North American host cities, including Toronto. A new study, published in The International Journal of Biometeorology, warns that dangerously high temperatures could pose serious health risks to players, referees, event staff, and fans.

Heatwaves and High Stakes

The study, conducted by an international team of scientists—including researchers from the University of Toronto—analyzed two decades of meteorological data from 2003 to 2022. Their findings paint a troubling picture: 14 of the 16 host cities will experience temperatures that exceed safe playing conditions at least some of the time in June and July, when the tournament is scheduled.

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“We examined the risk of extreme heat by modeling Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a key measure of heat stress,” explains Madeleine Orr, an assistant professor at U of T’s Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education and one of the study’s co-authors. “Our results show that 14 out of 16 host locations exceed WBGTs of 28°C, with some cities reaching this dangerous threshold more than half the time during afternoon hours.”

Why does this matter? A WBGT above 28°C is considered unsafe for prolonged physical activity, leading many football governing bodies to recommend delaying or rescheduling matches under such conditions. Sustained exposure to high WBGT levels can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke—threatening not just performance but also the well-being of players and others involved.

The Cities at Greatest Risk

Among the host cities, Miami and Monterrey are flagged as the most concerning due to their extreme heat and lack of indoor air-conditioned stadiums. But they’re not alone—Philadelphia, Kansas City, Boston, and New York are also expected to endure sweltering conditions that could make outdoor games a brutal endurance test rather than a thrilling spectacle.

Orr and her colleagues are urging FIFA to rethink its scheduling to mitigate the risks. “We are calling for stronger heat policies at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to protect players, referees, people working the events, and the fans,” she says.

A History of Heat-Related Challenges

This isn’t the first time heat has threatened a FIFA World Cup. In 2022, the tournament in Qatar was moved from its traditional summer slot to winter, an unprecedented decision that was largely driven by the region’s extreme heat. While Qatar’s stadiums were equipped with state-of-the-art cooling technology, the heat outside still posed a challenge for athletes, officials, and fans alike.

Unlike Qatar, however, the Fifa World Cup 2026 is spread across three countries—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—making it harder to implement centralized heat-mitigation strategies. The tournament will take place in an array of climates, ranging from the relative cool of Vancouver to the searing summer heat of Texas and Florida.

Solutions on the Table

Experts say that while extreme heat is unavoidable, there are ways to manage the risks. Among the proposed solutions:

1. Rescheduling Matches to Cooler Hours

Historically, Fifa World Cup matches are often scheduled in the afternoon, a prime time for television broadcasts. However, researchers argue that shifting games to the early morning or evening could significantly reduce heat stress.

2. Installing Temporary Cooling Infrastructure

Some cities may consider following Qatar’s lead by implementing cooling technologies, such as misting stations and shaded seating areas for spectators.

3. More Frequent Cooling Breaks

FIFA already has rules allowing referees to pause games for water breaks in extreme heat. Expanding these policies—allowing longer and more frequent cooling breaks—could help players maintain hydration and avoid overheating.

4. Educating Players, Officials, and Fans

Raising awareness about heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them could also make a difference. Teams may need to adjust their training regimens to better prepare for hot conditions, while fans should be encouraged to stay hydrated and avoid excessive sun exposure.

A Larger Climate Warning

Beyond the immediate concerns for the 2026 tournament, experts see this as part of a larger issue: climate change is making extreme heat events more common and more intense. The increasing frequency of heatwaves poses a growing challenge for outdoor sports worldwide.

Orr emphasizes that major sporting events need to consider climate risks well in advance. “At the same time, we want to highlight the need for careful assessment of heat risk ahead of any major sporting events to help inform any potential interventions needed in the scheduling of matches and competitions.”

Will FIFA Take Action?

So far, FIFA has not announced any changes to match schedules for the 2026 tournament. However, with mounting evidence and pressure from researchers, players, and health experts, it’s possible that organizers will be forced to reconsider.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the pinnacle of international soccer, drawing millions of fans from around the globe. But as climate change reshapes our world, sporting events must adapt to new realities. Whether FIFA will step up and implement meaningful changes—or stick to tradition at the expense of safety—remains to be seen.

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One thing is clear: the beautiful game should never come at the cost of human health. With just over a year left until kickoff, the clock is ticking for FIFA to make the right call. Keep reading at Education Post News for more global updates.