World Cup 2026: Extreme Heat and Severe Weather Pose Risks for Players
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the United States, is facing significant weather-related challenges. According to a 2025 study published in the International Journal of Biometeorology, 14 out of the 16 host cities are expected to exceed the extreme Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) threshold, a measure of heat stress on the human body. For instance, in Miami, where seven games are scheduled, the combination of high humidity and air temperatures around 90°F (32°C) could result in a 'feels like' temperature of 109°F (43°C). Additionally, severe weather events, such as thunderstorms, flooding, and tornado warnings, have already disrupted preparations in Kansas City, Missouri, where the Argentine team recently arrived. These conditions highlight the growing impact of climate change on global sporting events.