FIFA said it “is committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff. Climate-related risks are assessed as part of overall tournament planning and managed in close coordination with host cities, stadium authorities and national agencies.”
In their open letter to FIFA, the experts said current mitigation measures are “inadequate”, and demanded 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.
“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.”
FIFA responded saying “outdoor matches during the hottest parts of the day have been strategically limited, kick-off times adjusted in certain markets, and matches expected in warmer windows prioritized for covered stadiums where possible.”
FIFA made the point that it is not new to playing tournaments in potentially high heat conditions. “Building on experience from recent tournaments, a tiered heat mitigation model will apply for the FIFA World Cup 2026. When forecasts indicate elevated temperatures (e.g. above defined thresholds), spectators will be permitted to bring one factory-sealed water bottle, and venues will activate additional cooling capacity, including shaded areas, misting systems, cooling buses and expanded water distribution,” said FIFA.
“Work-rest cycles for staff and volunteers are adapted accordingly, and first-aid readiness is reinforced with clear triage and escalation pathways for suspected heat illness. These measures scale dynamically based on real-time conditions before and during each event.
“Additionally, FIFA will have dedicated meteorological support in place throughout the tournament, both centrally and in the Host Cities, to ensure access to the most accurate forecasting data and to strengthen real-time decision-making capabilities.”
FIFA points out that there will be three-minute hydration breaks at the midpoint of each half, “regardless of weather conditions”, and that teams can use up to five substitutions, an additional substitution in extra time, and a concussion substitution. There will also be climate-controlled benches for technical staff and substitutes at all outdoor matches (four of the 10 stadiums to be used in the US are covered).
Weather preparedness also extends beyond heat with FIFA saying it has an emergency preparedness team meeting regularly with national meteorological and emergency management authorities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as with partners across all 16 Host Cities.
“Scheduling has also been developed with climate considerations in mind. The match schedule balances sporting, operational and broadcast requirements while minimizing travel, maximising rest days and accounting for local climate profiles and venue infrastructure, based on the extensive heat risk analysis carried out by FIFA at each location,” said FIFA.
FIFA concluded that it “will continue to monitor conditions in real time, integrating Wet Bulb Globe Temperature and Heat Index surveillance, and stands ready to apply established contingency protocols should extreme weather events occur.
“Through close collaboration with host governments, medical experts and emergency authorities, FIFA remains committed to delivering a safe, resilient and memorable tournament experience for everyone involved.”
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