Overview
- Weather analyses predict stadium surface temperatures from about 10°C up to 41°C, with roughly 27 matches expected to average above 30°C on the field.
- Sport-medicine experts warn high heat and humidity can cause dehydration, electrolyte loss, cramps, circulatory collapse and in extreme cases life‑threatening exertional heatstroke.
- FIFA has mandated drinking breaks each half and climate‑controlled benches for substitutes while a group of scientists has urged postponing matches above 28°C and longer cooling pauses.
- U.S. lightning-safety rules require suspension when strikes are detected within roughly eight miles and trigger a 30-minute restart countdown that resets if more lightning occurs.
- Teams from cooler climates are starting one- to two-week acclimatization routines and organizers are preparing for disruptions after past tournaments showed heat and storms can slow play and force long delays.