Extreme Heat Is the Toughest Opponent at World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup comes with a threat that no manager can prepare tactics against, with Sky Sports reporting that researchers have found 14 of the 16 tournament venues will reach what scientists classify as dangerous temperature levels. That threshold sits at 28 degrees Celsius, and four stadiums could climb to an even more extreme 32 degrees during the hottest afternoon hours.

In the southern United States and northern Mexico, temperatures can surge as high as 40 degrees. The conditions create real risks of dehydration, heat stroke, cramps and dizziness for players, fans, volunteers and officials spending prolonged time in the heat.

FIFA told Sky Sports it is committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone involved and that climate risks have been factored into tournament planning. Even so, the sheer scale of the problem, covering almost every venue, means heat will be a constant storyline across the entire competition.