Overview

• Temperatures topping 97°F and threats of lightning have led to multiple match delays and prompted public health alerts on heat exhaustion and dehydration.
• Teams such as Borussia Dortmund have kept substitutes in air-conditioned locker rooms and introduced cold-water treatments to combat heat stress.
• FIFA’s mandated cooling breaks offer limited relief, with officials halting play only when lightning approaches and leaving gaps in player protection.
• Environmental group Fossil Free Football and players’ union FIFPRO are pressing FIFA to revise match schedules and safety protocols, with FIFPRO pursuing legal action over player welfare concerns.
• With just five of the 16 planned 2026 venues featuring roofs and 104 matches on the schedule, experts warn the upcoming tournament could face similar extreme weather challenges.