Extreme Heat Poses Challenges for 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada, and Mexico
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to face significant challenges due to extreme heat. Researchers have identified that 14 out of the 16 venues will experience dangerous temperatures, with some reaching up to 104°F (40°C) in southern U.S. and northern Mexican locations. Four stadiums are projected to hit 90°F (32°C) during peak afternoon hours. FIFA has implemented measures such as delayed kick-off times, hydration breaks, and cooling systems in select stadiums to mitigate risks. However, concerns remain, as only three venues—Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta—are equipped with cooling systems. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) metric will be used to monitor heat stress, with five games expected to exceed the unsafe threshold of 82°F (28°C). 
