Scientists warn football’s governing body that global warming has increased risk of extreme hit since 1994 US World Cup.Published On 14 May 202614 May 2026Climate experts have challenged FIFA after a warning that one in four World Cup games could be played in very hot conditions because global warming has increased the extreme heat risk since the US last hosted the tournament in 1994.Overheating concerns had already prompted FIFA to mandate a cooling break during each half of World Cup matches. They will be played in 16 stadiums across the United States, Mexico and Canada from that will take place between June 11 to July 19.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list“Players and fans face a much higher risk of gruelling heat and humidity at the 2026 World Cup compared to the 1994 tournament on the same continent,” said World Weather Attribution (WWA), a network of climate scientists.WWA’s scientific analysis estimates that 26 of the 104 matches could be played where temperatures reach at least 26C in the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index. It measures how effectively the body can cool itself in heat, humidity, sun exposure and wind.At 26C WBGT, the international footballers’ union FIFPRO recommends cooling breaks as heat strain becomes a real risk for players.Of those 26 matches, 17 will be played in stadiums with cooling systems, reducing risks for players and fans.During the 1994 World Cup hosted by the United States, 21 games would have been expected to reach a similar heat threshold, according to WWA.Five games are expected to be played in conditions …
