World Cup 2026: the heat, a new opponent on the grounds of the
By OnzeActu · · 6 min read
The 2026 World Cup faces unprecedented climatic conditions with matches in oppressive heat. Recent meetings, notably France-Paraguay in Philadelphia, have highlighted the increased risks linked to global warming for players and the management of international calendars.
Why it matters
The 2026 World Cup is taking place in an unprecedented climatic context, where extreme heat is becoming a determining factor for player safety. Matches, like the one between France and Paraguay, highlighted the challenges that global warming poses for the organization of matches. This raises questions about the feasibility of maintaining high-level football competitions in such conditions.
Key points
- World Cup 2026: the heat, a new opponent on the pitch.
- The 2026 World Cup faces unprecedented climatic conditions with matches in oppressive heat.
- The World Cup just had one of its hottest matches, in a challenge for the sport - ABC News.
The heat wave currently hitting North America is historic. Organizers must juggle between calendar imperatives, global distribution requirements and public health imperatives. The stakes are such that the highly anticipated semi-final between Norway and England in Miami, where the temperature could rise to 43°C, has given rise to discussions around the possibility, although unlikely, of postponing the match.
The France-Paraguay match is not an isolated case: during the group stage, nine matches reached or exceeded the temperature thresholds recommended by the players' union (FIFPro) for postponement or interruption of the game. The only more extreme confrontations date back to the 1994 World Cup in the United States, when the mercury flirted with 48°C on the lawns of Texas. In Philadelphia, despite the fall of evening, the heat accumulated by the steel and concrete structures of the stadium, added to that emitted by the thousands of spectators, created a real microclimate, intensifying the suffering of the players.
The rise in temperatures can be explained, according to Climate Central meteorologist Shel Winkley, by the direct influence of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. “We knew there was a greater than 60% chance that players would experience heat stress affecting their performance,” he says, noting that such conditions become 3 to 4 times more likely with global warming.
Image
To face this challenge, FIFA has introduced specific measures: compulsory natural pitches, three-minute hydration breaks at each half, and moving matches in high heat to later times, particularly in Florida, where no match is scheduled before 5 p.m. In Texas, stadium air conditioning has become the norm, at the cost of high energy bills.
However, research shows that the optimal performance of an elite player is below 22°C, while above 28°C, fatigue and the dangers linked to heat become real. Signs of heat stress, according to experts, include apathy, disorientation and a drop in performance, up to feeling unwell.
The problem will continue to grow as FIFA is already planning the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, undoubtedly forcing further adjustments to the calendar. Football, like other popular sports, must adapt to a new climatic reality which is disrupting the traditions and memories of generations of enthusiasts.
Heat management during major world tournaments now appears essential to protect players, spectators and guarantee sporting fairness, while football is going through an era marked by climate transition.
The rest
As the semi-final between Norway and England approaches, organizers must assess the risks associated with the heat, with temperatures reaching 43°C in Miami. Although discussions about a possible postponement have taken place, it is unlikely that this will materialize due to media and financial issues. Teams will have to adapt to these extreme conditions to preserve the health of players while maintaining the intensity of the competition.
Frequently asked questions
What's happening at the 2026 World Cup regarding heat?
The 2026 World Cup is taking place in extreme temperatures, reaching nearly 38°C, raising concerns about player safety.
Who confirmed concerns about heat during matches?
Shel Winkley, meteorologist at Climate Central, explained that rising temperatures are influenced by climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.
Why is the heat issue being raised now?
Heat issue is raised due to historic temperatures recorded in North America during World Cup 2
026.
What measures are being considered to deal with the heat during matches?
Organizers are discussing the possibility, although unlikely, of postponing some matches, such as the semi-final between Norway and England in Miami.
What changes have been observed compared to previous World Cups?
Nine matches during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup met or exceeded the recommended temperature thresholds for postponement, a rare phenomenon compared to the 1994 World Cup.
Related Articles
Frequently asked questions
📰Related articles
- Thomas Tuchel denies ordering England to retreat in the face of
- Spain and Chattanooga, links established well before the World Cup
- Saliba plans to avoid back surgery after injury
- Stefano Bizzotto bows out: an iconic voice leaves the
- Spain - Belgium: Fabián Ruiz opens the scoring in the 30th minute
- Why we must follow the small final between France and
- Hard Rock Stadium: Fabregas, Wenger and football legends
- World Cup: the official compositions of Spain and
- 2026 World Cup: Erling Haaland defends Jude
- World Cup memory: Argentina – England, an eighth of
- World Cup: how Kylian Mbappé can win the Golden Shoe