The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from mid-June to mid-July. This scheduling coincides with the peak of summer when fans can expect extreme heat, high humidity, and increased thunderstorm activity. Research indicates that over one-third of the tournament's 104 matches could exceed the wet bulb globe temperature threshold of 28°C, which is considered unsafe for athletes by FIFPro, the global players’ union. Additionally, nearly 25% of matches are predicted to encounter hazardous combinations of heat and humidity.
How has the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup foreshadowed these challenges? The Club World Cup, taking place in 2025 in the US, provided a preview of potential weather-related disruptions when a match was delayed over two hours due to severe weather conditions. The venues most at risk include cities like Miami, Kansas City, Philadelphia, and New York, as well as select Mexican locations, particularly open-air stadiums. In contrast, Canadian venues are expected to experience lower temperatures.
What about the safety regulations concerning lightning? Current guidelines in the US necessitate immediate suspension of games if lightning is detected within an eight-mile range of a venue. This could lead to unexpected interruptions, even in crucial moments of a match.
The wet bulb globe temperature measurement goes beyond just air temperature, incorporating factors like humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and radiant heat. Forecasts from NOAA for summer 2026 predict above-average temperatures across much of the tournament area along with heightened moisture levels from the Gulf, resulting in intensified thunderstorm occurrences.
In response to these climate concerns, FIFA has implemented hydration breaks during matches. However, there remains no established protocol for delaying matches solely due to heat risks.
What impact will these weather conditions have on fans and organizers? Most stadiums in the US and Mexico are open-air, leaving no indoor relief from high temperatures. Unlike the air-conditioned stadiums featured in Qatar 2022, the venues for the 2026 World Cup were designed for American football seasons, which begin in the fall. In cities such as Miami, even at 9 PM, temperatures can remain around 30°C with humidity exceeding 70%.
Delays caused by adverse weather pose significant logistical challenges, such as broadcasting recalibrations, extended security shifts, conflicts in public transportation schedules, and ensuring safety for large crowds amidst extreme conditions. The logistical issues experienced during the 2025 Club World Cup underscore the operational complexities that organizers must prepare for during the month-long tournament, featuring 104 matches.