FIFPro Warns Six 2026 World Cup Cities Face Extreme Heat Risks

FIFPRO, the global players' union, has raised serious concerns about extreme heat affecting player safety at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup across U.S. cities, warning that the 2026 World Cup in North America could face even greater risks. Several matches at the Club World Cup were played during peak heat hours, leading to complaints from players and calls from FIFPRO to postpone or reschedule games when temperatures exceed their 28-degree Wet Bulb Globe Temperature threshold. Despite FIFA implementing cooling measures such as additional water breaks and lowering the threshold for cooling pauses, they did not shift kickoff times to avoid the hottest periods due to commercial pressures and broadcast scheduling. Six to nine host cities for the 2026 World Cup, including Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas, and Monterrey, are identified as extremely high risk for heat stress, with concerns extending to the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, where temperatures can reach or exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and fewer stadiums have air conditioning. FIFPRO is advocating for extended halftime breaks, more frequent cooling breaks, and scheduling adjustments to mitigate heat-related health risks, though they acknowledge limited formal authority to enforce such changes. The organization calls for stronger collaboration with FIFA to prioritize player welfare amid the challenges posed by extreme heat in future tournaments.