Almost one in five matches at the 2026 Fifa World Cup were played in heat and humidity levels that players’ union Fifpro has previously warned should trigger delays or postponements, according to new analysis. The findings reveal that an estimated twenty fixtures may have reached wet bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) of 28°C or higher, potentially breaching the safety threshold recommended by the global players’ organisation.
The assessment of the tournament’s 104 matches found that the most extreme conditions occurred during the France versus Paraguay round of sixteen clash in Philadelphia on 4 July. Temperatures at the non-air-conditioned stadium reportedly reached 38°C, with WBGT estimates potentially exceeding 33.9°C. The hottest game overall was Argentina‘s 2-0 victory over Austria on 22 June in Dallas, Texas, where despite the venue’s air-conditioning system, external asphalt temperatures reportedly hit 50°C.
Air Conditioning and Additional High-Risk Fixtures
An additional twenty-three matches took place in cities experiencing similarly severe heat, though these fixtures benefited from air-conditioned stadiums. Only three venues across the tournament featured full climate control systems, located in Dallas, Houston and Atlanta. The analysis suggests that without such mitigation, the number of dangerously hot matches would have been significantly higher.
Fifa has defended its safety protocols, stating that tournament organisers stationed meteorologists at match venues and implemented mandatory hydration breaks. Players were provided with access to water, electrolyte drinks, ice, cold towels, fans and shade. However, the governing body did not respond to specific questions regarding the findings.
Spectator Safety and Climate Concerns
Beyond the pitch, experts have raised alarms about risks to supporters, volunteers and stadium staff. Joshua L DeVincenzo, assistant director at Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness, stressed that lessons from the tournament indicate vital safeguards must be established for all attendees well in advance of fixtures.
Wildfire smoke presented additional hazards for supporters in certain regions, with New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani warning of health impacts from degraded air quality. Simon Stiell, executive secretary for the United Nations climate body, noted that the crisis threatens both essential human requirements and recreational pursuits such as football.
The 2026 tournament, which concluded with Sunday’s final played in relatively milder conditions with WBGT estimates just under 26°C, has intensified debate about scheduling and venue selection for future competitions. DeVincenzo described the event as a genuine examination of heat mitigation capabilities that exposed complications posed by extreme weather.
Fifpro, which declined to comment on the specific analysis, had previously indicated that rising temperatures will increasingly influence tournament and league scheduling decisions. The union’s 28°C WBGT threshold accounts for humidity, direct sunlight and wind to measure the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating.