With just two weeks until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off and summer temperatures soaring, a researcher from Queen’s University Belfast has issued a fresh safety warning for players and fans.
Matches are scheduled from 11 June - 19 July across 16 different cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Dr Donal Mullan, a climate scientist from Queen’s University, has published detailed research, which shows that almost 90 per cent of stadiums could face potentially dangerous levels of heat.
FIFA have scheduled matches to avoid peak temperatures in the most at-risk cities. However, risks remain with some fixtures in New York, Philadelphia and Boston taking place during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Even early evening kickoffs could create heat risk in cities like Miami and Kansas City where heat and humidity persist for longer.
Dr Mullan says that moving games to evenings isn't enough to tackle perilous heat conditions. Exposure can lead to severe health issues including nausea, dehydration, headaches, and heatstroke and can be life-threatening in certain cases.
Dr Mullan explains: “There is a very real risk that both players and fans will be exposed to extreme heat during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Moving games to evenings isn't going to be enough to tackle the problem. I would urge football fans to prepare in advance for perilous conditions to protect their safety. Staying well hydrated is vital.
“Since March, we have seen record-breaking temperatures across parts of the US. Global warming is a real challenge. As a society, we now feel the impact of this in so many areas of our lives. For sport, it’s fast becoming a public health issue.”
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He adds: “FIFA have confirmed there will be three-minute cooling breaks mid-way through each half of all matches. This will help, but their heat policy for further action such as delaying or postponing matches has been widely criticised by various bodies, including global players union, FIFPro.
“This action would only happen when the wet bulb globe temperature – an index of extreme heat – exceeds 32°C. FIFPro and others recommend this should be lowered dramatically to 28°C to protect players."
Dr Mullan adds: “Climate change is having a big impact on the world around us, including elite sport. The first priority has to be the health and welfare of athletes and spectators.”
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