The 2026 World Cup is set to be shared by 3 hosting nations in 2026. These are the US, Canada, and Mexico. The format has been expanded with some 48 teams now taking part with matches taking place across these 3 diverse nations. This is set to bring nations closer together than football has ever managed to before.
While there’s plenty to look forward to, there are also some real concerns about the tournaments and the conditions that the matches will take place in. The concerns all stem from the effects of climate change. It’s hard to deny that the world is experiencing rising temperatures and extreme weather events and the worry is that this may spill over into the tournament and cause chaos.
As you read on, we’re going to explore the real likelihood of climate change playing a part in the 2026 World Cup. We’ll be considering teams that could benefit from the extreme heat as well as how FIFA can play a part in addressing change.
Heat and Scheduling Problems
Perhaps the biggest challenge that will be faced during the 2026 World Cup is extreme heat. The truth is that North America’s summers were already well known for their high temperatures and there’s no escaping the fact that climate change is having an impact. We’re seeing heatwaves more frequently and when they do occur, they’re far more intense. Then there are the cities in the south to consider. The likes of Miami, Dallas, and Los Angeles are set to experience blistering temperatures during the height of the tournament. It’s highly likely that many matches will take place in temperatures of 95F, with some even getting underway while contending with the dizzy heights of 100F plus.
FIFA has come in for more than just a little criticism when it comes to the timing of the matches. The majority of games are set to kick off in the afternoon purely so that they can be covered by prime time TV channels across Europe. Yes, there are advantages for fans at home as it means that they can still feel part of the World Cup, but it seems that the risk to players is being ignored. There is also a real danger posed to fans in the stadiums who could easily find themselves suffering from heat-related illnesses. Alessandro Romei is a climate change expert and has been vocal about the risks that are posed. The view is that the timing of matches needs to be changed to protect players and fans alike.
There is huge concern for vulnerable groups of fans, such as children and the elderly. The heat will mean that the experience goes beyond just being uncomfortable and ends up being extremely dangerous. To keep fans safe, there’s a real need to provide features such as water stations, cooling zones, and areas that are shaded.
Teams Used to the Heat May Be Set to Benefit
When it comes to placing a sporting bet on the 2026 World Cup, there is now more to consider than simple FIFA rankings and current performance. There is also a need to take a look at the temperatures and the teams that are likely to thrive. Teams such as South Africa have a long history of being able to flourish in the hot conditions. The national team and domestic leagues see training taking place in the extreme heat and this could mean that they’re better prepared and likely to come with higher levels of endurance.
Teams from South America, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa are also likely to find these conditions almost normal. Certainly, the likes of Brazil are likely to feel much more at ease than countries coming from areas such as northern Europe, which is notably cooler. Players from the latter are less likely to have the ability to perform in the intense heat and this may well translate to serious issues on the pitch.
It really does all come together and make it much more difficult to predict the outcome of any matches. It’s not going to be enough to consider skill and tactics alone as the major influence is going to be how a team is able to adapt to the intense and extreme weather conditions.
Beyond the Heat: Other Weather Conditions to Consider
If the extreme temperatures weren’t enough, the 2026 World Cup also faces risks from other weather events. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornadoes all pose real threats while the tournament is taking place and these could have a devastating impact on the actual infrastructure, not just the games. The biggest risks are likely to be in the southeastern United States in locations such as Miami, Orlando, and Atlanta. These are the places that are directly in the path of the hurricane season that overlaps with the times that the tournament is taking place.
Storms like those likely to take place are able to disrupt travel plans too, and may even lead to games being postponed. Organisers are going to need to have contingency plans in place to ensure that any disruption isn’t too great to the extent that the tournament needs to be rescheduled.
There are also concerns when it comes to the air quality. Wildfires in the western United States are becoming more and more common and these lead to smoke spreading across vast regions. The impact of this on the air quality could have a real impact on matches, especially when you consider those that are taking place in open-air stadiums. It’s possible that this could lead to breathing problems for players and fans.
Lessons from Past World Cups
This isn’t the first time that FIFA has faced challenges with scheduling and weather conditions. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was actually rescheduled to take place in the winter months so that the most intense heat could be avoided. This allowed the tournament to take place in much more comfortable conditions, with the final seeing highs of 72F. Had the tournament gone ahead in the summer, temperatures would have been soaring at around 115F.
It makes sense to ask whether or not FIFA should have considered a similar approach to 2026. Yes, moving to the winter months brings logistical challenges, but it provides a much safer environment for all involved. If this were not possible, there is still the option to move matches so that they take place early morning. Of course, there will be an impact here on TV rights, screenings, and viewing figures, but perhaps FIFA needs to show that it’s, commitment to safety comes before financial reward.
How FIFA Can Help Climate Change
FIFA has already pledged to make changes. Its target is to reduce emissions by 50% by the year 2030. This is set to be achieved by planning for minimal travel distances for both players and fans.
Beyond this, FIFA should take advantage of its global stage. It should use this to promote awareness and to encourage change. The World Cup itself could be used as a platform that has the capability of reaching millions and millions of people. There are also opportunities to push for merchandise that is eco-friendly.
Final Thoughts
The reality is that the 2026 World Cup is set to be more than just a sporting event. Yes, it has the chance to bring players and fans together from around the globe, but it also has the opportunity to highlight the growing threats that are being faced by climate change. Extreme heat, hurricanes, and poor air quality won’t just be issues in 2026. Without action being taken now, and on a huge scale, this is what we can expect for all future World Cups too.
FIFA needs to step up and take responsibility for the safety of all involved in the World Cup. There needs to be measures put in place to mitigate the risks that are posed for the 2026 tournament, even if that means another winter tournament.
The hope is that this event will be two-fold. Quite rightly, it should be a celebration of footballing greats and there needs to be plenty of attention given to the action that’s taking place on the pitch. However, alongside this, FIFA needs to use its stage to highlight just how serious climate change is and how we all have the ability to act.
