May 14 – A group of health experts and leading scientists have called on FIFA to address the heat risk for players at the 2026 World Cup, calling the current mitigation measures “inadequate.”
In an open letter, experts and scientists have pointed out that FIFA is risking players’ health and safety because of the expected heat during this summer’s tournament and demand that the world federation reviews its policies to delay or postpone matches above 28 degrees Celsius Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), extend cooling breaks to at least six minutes, improve cooling facilities for players and provide regular updates to guidelines based on the latest science.
They also demand that FIFA adopts standards proposed by global players’ union FIFPRO.
Temperatures and humidity are expected to soar in the 16 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada – the countries that are co-hosting the supersized 48-team finals.
The world federation has introduced mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in each half of tournament matches. The rule applies irrespective of weather conditions. Critics have pointed out that this is also convenient for FIFA and broadcasters to introduce more TV advertisements.
FIFA will also apply the WBGT to assess physical heat stress on the body. The WBGT combines heat and humidity. At 32C, the global governing body stipulates that match organisers can take precautions against the heat. By comparison, migrant workers in Qatar are not allowed to work outdoors when the WBGT index surpasses 32.1C.
The threshold for heat stress for athletes is considered to be 28C.
“The science supports the concept that high intensity sport above a 28C Wet Bulb Globe Temperature can compromise performance and put a player at risk. The fact that under current FIFA Guidelines action will only be taken above 32C is far from optimal,” said Professor Douglas Casa, a professor of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut.
The experts argue that FIFA’s current heat safety guidelines are “out of alignment with many others that apply to people engaged in strenuous activity in hot conditions.”
The letter concludes: Player health and safety must remain the non-negotiable foundation of football governance and the heat risks for the upcoming World Cup make this question more urgent than ever. We ask if FIFA will commit to evaluating and updating its guidelines in accordance with the best practice and science, and in line with its stated prioritising of player safety?
FIFA has been contacted for comment.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at [email protected]