FIFPRO Tackles Heat Risks to Protect Players at 2026 World Cup
FIFPRO is evaluating extending halftimes and pressing for more frequent cooling breaks to safeguard players from extreme heat during the 2026 World Cup. With nine host cities facing extreme heat risks, FIFPRO advocates for stronger heat protocols and collaboration with FIFA to ensure players' safety.
Global players' union FIFPRO is actively exploring measures to protect soccer players from extreme heat during the 2026 World Cup by evaluating the extension of halftimes and implementing more frequent cooling breaks.
Nine of the tournament's 16 host cities face conditions labeled as "extreme risk" for heat-related illnesses, necessitating calls for mandatory cooling aids or scheduling adjustments to prioritize player safety.
FIFPRO's assessments, based on the wet bulb globe temperature, suggest matches should be postponed in conditions surpassing a threshold lower than FIFA's, highlighting a need for stronger collaboration and planning ahead of the tournament.
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