High temperatures threaten to become a defining feature of the World Cup, the UN Climate Commission warns. According to experts, temperatures could exceed dangerous levels, affecting both players and fans.
Source: AFP, Der Spiegel
Temperatures during World Cup matches could reach 40 degrees this summer. As a precaution, FIFA has already taken various measures such as extra drinking breaks and allowing water bottles in the stadiums. But now the UN Climate Secretariat is also warning supporters about the extreme heat.
Dangerous temperatures
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest football tournament ever, is taking place at a time when extreme heat waves are increasing due to climate change,” UN Climate Secretary Simon Stiell announced today at the opening of the ten-day climate conference in Bonn. “This extreme heat will be a defining element of the tournament, both on the field, in the stands and in the host cities.”
In fan zones, queues, on roads, in car parks and at open-air parties, people can be exposed to dangerous heat for hours.
About a quarter of the matches are expected to be played in dangerously high temperatures. The players will receive intensive medical care, but fans in the stadiums are largely on their own. “The greatest danger lies outside the stadiums,” said the UN expert. “People can be exposed to dangerous heat for hours in fan zones, queues, on roads, in car parks and at open-air parties.”
“Too hot to play”
Fans who follow the tournament on television will also notice how the climate affects the matches. For example, the pace of some matches may be slower because players need to conserve their energy. Early substitutions, extra drinking breaks and the use of cooling towels also become more likely.
“Nowadays it is often too hot to play,” says Stiell. “It is warm and it is getting warmer. That is not a coincidence, but the result of climate change.” The World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 in Mexico, Canada and the US.