Heat Concerns Mount for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Extreme heat during recent U.S. soccer tournaments, such as the FIFA Club World Cup, has raised concerns about player and spectator safety for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Players and managers, including Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, have called for fewer afternoon matches due to dangerous conditions. Scientists and player unions warn that rising global temperatures make the traditional summer schedule increasingly hazardous. FIFA has introduced heat protocols like hydration breaks and cooling stations, but experts question their adequacy. Some propose moving matches to cooler parts of the day or even shifting the tournament to winter, although this could disrupt European club seasons and faces logistical obstacles. Local organizers are planning more safety measures, and calls for significant scheduling changes are expected to increase as climate risks escalate.