Scorching Conditions: FIFPRO Warns of Heat Threat in Future World Cups
Soccer players face extreme heat at the Club World Cup in the USA, prompting FIFPRO to warn about similar risks at upcoming World Cups. Six cities in North America pose high risk for heat injuries. FIFA is responsive but did not adjust kickoff times. Future tournaments may implement additional cooling measures.
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- Switzerland
Extreme heat has emerged as a significant challenge for soccer players at the Club World Cup taking place across various U.S. cities, with global players' union FIFPRO voicing concerns over even greater risks at future World Cups. With the event held amid a lingering heatwave, FIFA has been commended for implementing cooling measures to safeguard athletes.
Despite these efforts, FIFA did not heed FIFPRO's advice to delay match kick-offs during peak heat hours, a complication intensified by commercial demands at larger tournaments. In 2026, several World Cup host cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are flagged as "extremely high risk" for heat stress injuries.
Mitigation strategies proposed include extending halftime breaks and more frequent cooling pauses during matches. While FIFA has lowered the threshold for implementing some of these measures, concerns persist about future tournaments in regions prone to extreme temperatures, notably the 2030 World Cup hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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