The climate crisis threatens the World Cup
The recent Club World Cup held in the United States has highlighted the mounting challenges of climate change, particularly the extreme summer temperatures.
This situation amplifies concerns about the conditions expected for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
As global temperatures continue to rise, the safety of athletes and fans during major summer sporting events is increasingly under threat. Scientists are warning that persisting with the current scheduling model is becoming more and more hazardous, and calls for FIFA to reconsider its match timetable are growing louder.
“As we move further into this decade, the risks will escalate unless more drastic measures are taken, such as relocating events to cooler regions or scheduling them during winter months,” said Professor Pierce Forster, director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Studies at the University of Leeds. “I fear we’re just one heatwave away from a major sporting catastrophe. The scientific evidence needs to be taken more seriously by event organizers.”
Since the inaugural World Cup in 1930, summer tournaments have been a staple of international football. However, climate conditions have drastically shifted over the past few decades. Data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that the average global temperature during the June-August period has increased by 1.05°C, while in Europe, the rise is even steeper at 1.81°C.
Experts point out that these changes have immediate effects on both the performance and safety of athletes. “If we want to maintain the current intensity of football, matches will need to be scheduled exclusively for early mornings or late evenings,” said climatologist Frederike Otto of Imperial College London. “Otherwise, we’re opening ourselves up to a high risk of heatstroke and exhaustion incidents.”
Adapting Under Pressure
The Club World Cup in the US was characterized by heatwaves and severe thunderstorms, forcing FIFA to revise its protocols for extreme weather conditions.
Extra hydration breaks have been introduced, water supply to the fields has been increased, and shaded areas and fans have been installed on the benches.
Despite these measures, football players have voiced their complaints. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandes reported feeling dizzy due to the heat and called on FIFA to avoid scheduling midday matches.
Moreover, FIFPRO, the international professional footballers’ union, warned that six of the 16 cities set to host the 2026 World Cup matches are in areas with high or extremely high risk of heat stress.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stated that daytime matches will only take place in covered stadiums to minimize sun exposure.
Similar heat-related issues are anticipated at the 2030 World Cup, set to be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Matches are planned for the afternoon and early evening hours, a time when temperatures in all three countries have already surpassed 40°C this summer.
However, in its internal assessment for the 2030 event, FIFA downplayed the risk, stating that “weather conditions are difficult to predict due to climate developments, but are not expected to seriously affect the health of participants.”
Extreme Conditions and Health Impacts
Physical exertion during a football match in high temperatures can lead to hyperthermia, a dangerous increase in body temperature.
Professor Julien Peria from the University of Canberra explains, “When the body overheats, the cardiovascular load significantly increases. In cases of extreme stress, this can lead to heat exhaustion, muscle cramps, and in some cases, even heat stroke.”
Other sporting events, like the Olympics or the world track and field championships, have already shifted their schedules to early morning or late evening. Such changes are more challenging to implement in football, primarily because of television broadcasts and a packed match schedule.
With the number of teams set to increase to 48 by 2026, the time available for scheduling matches is even more constrained, making it difficult to avoid midday matches.
Inevitable Discussion on Changing Dates
The issue of heat stress is primarily relevant to events in the northern hemisphere, as June and July are winter months in the southern hemisphere. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was the only exception to this, having been rescheduled for November-December to avoid heat waves.
A similar postponement is expected for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. However, such a shift significantly disrupts European leagues and club competitions like the Champions League. FIFA has yet to respond to inquiries from The Associated Press regarding potential date changes for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments.
As global warming persists, it’s expected that there will be increasing pressure to alter the scheduling and execution of major sporting events.
“It’s more than just about the safety of players and fans,” says Professor Michael Mann from the University of Pennsylvania. “Climate change is fundamentally reshaping how we live and participate in sports.”
Information provided by the Associated Press
