As the 2026 North American World Cup approaches, extreme heat has emerged as a major concern for player and spectator safety.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports on Thursday, the organizing committee is making extensive preparations for potentially high temperatures during the tournament.
At SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which will host eight matches, massive industrial misting machines stand ready in the basement. These 2-meter-tall units will be deployed if temperatures climb above 26.7°C (80°F) during games.
The stadium’s roof, rising roughly 45 m (148 ft) high, will provide shade, while Pacific Ocean breezes flowing through side openings are expected to help cool the interior.
However, AFP noted that not all 16 World Cup venues are equipped with similar climate-control features.
A January study published in the International Journal of Biometeorology identified 6 host cities as high-risk due to heat concerns: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Kansas City, and Monterrey, Mexico.
Early afternoon kickoffs are scheduled in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia during the group stage, with New York also set to host the final at 3:00 p.m.
The nonprofit Football for Future reported that these cities reached dangerous heat levels this year, with Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures (WBGT) exceeding 35°C (95°F). By comparison, many industrial standards recommend halting outdoor work when WBGT rises above 33°C (91°F).
The tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, coincides with peak summer heat across North America. Stadium temperatures could climb even higher due to the urban heat island effect.
Similar conditions were seen during this year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where matches were played in mid-30 °C (mid-90°F) temperatures.
In response, FIFA plans to implement mandatory cooling breaks during all matches, regardless of conditions. The organization has also prioritized air-conditioned venues such as Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta for daytime matches, while scheduling evening kickoffs at higher-risk stadiums.
A spokesperson for the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) welcomed the player safety measures but cautioned that some match schedules may still pose risks. The players’ union has recommended postponing games if WBGT exceeds 28°C (82°F).
Spectator safety is also a major concern. Chris Fuhrman of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) noted that cheering fans generate significant body heat and, with generally lower fitness levels than athletes, require adequate air circulation, shade, and hydration.
Benjamin Short, a National Weather Service meteorologist advising tournament organizers, stressed the need for clear heat warnings for international visitors. He said fans must be informed about what weather conditions to expect during what could be a 2-month stay.