Researchers and experts warn FIFA over World Cup heat risk and player’s health

 

"The limits set for how hot it can be during matches are too high and could pose a health risk, even for top-level players that have acclimatized," says Senior Researcher Iulia Marginean at CICERO. She is 6among the researchers and experts who have signed an open letter to FIFA (read the letter here). Marginean’s research focuses on climate change and health impacts. She explains that heat stress can cause acute health problems such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke and dehydration, but can also aggravate conditions such as heart, lung and kidney disease. In extreme cases heat stress can lead to premature death.

"Increasing temperatures driven by anthropogenic climate change are expected to increase the risk of heat stress at large outdoor sporting events such as this year's football World Cup," says Marginean.

The men’s FIFA World Cup will take place from 11 June to 19 July across the USA, Mexico and Canada. Norway is participating for the first time since 1998. According to a new study by World Weather Attribution, hot events reaching or exceeding thresholds that could pose a health risk are substantially more likely during the 2026 FIFA World Cup than they were the last time the tournament was hosted in the United States in 1994.

Heat limits set too high

According to FIFA guidelines, cooling breaks are mandatory in both halves if the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index exceeds 32 degrees. However, 32 degrees WBGT does not mean the air temperature is 32 degrees. WBGT is a heat index that estimates the combined effects of air temperature, humidity, wind and solar radiation on the human body, and is used to measure heat stress and how effectively the body can cool itself during physical activity and sport. The index was originally developed by the US military to protect soldiers from heat injury and death during training exercises.

"32 degrees on the WBGT index can correspond to an air temperature of as much as 45 degrees, with 20 per cent humidity, low wind and no direct sunlight. Three-minute breaks are not sufficient to achieve the necessary cooling under such conditions," Marginean explains.

"Our thermoregulatory system helps the body cool down through sweating and the evaporation of sweat — which is why we sweat when we're hot. If the surrounding air is very humid or there is little wind, evaporation slows and the cooling process is impaired," she continues.

The open letter signed by Marginean and other researchers and experts emphasises that the temperature thresholds recommended by the international players' association FIFPRO are lower than those used by FIFA. FIFPRO considers a WBGT above 26 degrees as a threshold requiring cooling break in each half. FIFPRO also recommends that matches be delayed or postponed if the WBGT exceeds 28 degrees. According to the World Weather Attribution study, up to five World Cup matches could see temperatures equivalent to 28 degrees WBGT.

Older adults, children and people with underlying conditions most at risk

Extreme heat poses a risk not only to players on the pitch, but also to supporters and those working in and around the stadium. Some groups are more vulnerable than others.

At football matches, vulnerability is often amplified by prolonged sun exposure, limited shade, crowd density, dehydration, alcohol consumption, and restricted movement within packed stands. Supporters seated in direct sunlight for several hours can experience substantial heat strain even at moderate air temperatures, particularly when humidity is high and wind circulation is poor.

"Those most vulnerable to heat stress at a football match tend to be older adults, young children, people with chronic conditions, particularly cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic disease, and those taking medications that impair thermoregulation or fluid balance," Marginean explains.

People who are not acclimatized to heat, are overweight, or have consumed alcohol may also face elevated risk. Players, stadium staff and security personnel are also at risk due to physical exertion and prolonged exposure.

"Adaptation measures are necessary, but they are not enough to ensure safe conditions at summer football tournaments in this part of the world in the decades ahead. It is also vital to reduce fossil fuel emissions as quickly as possible," says Marginean.

 

 

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