What impact will extreme weather have on the 2026 World Cup?

In the six host cities (Miami, Houston, Dallas, Monterey, Kansas City and Atlanta), WBGT temperatures can reach at least 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) in the afternoon, which would be considered extreme heat stress and make it difficult for the body to stay cool.

To reduce these risks, games are often scheduled outside of the hottest parts of the day, with many kick-offs taking place in the late afternoon or evening. For example, kick-off for Scotland’s Group C match against Brazil in Miami is 18:00 ET (23:00 BST).

Some venues, including stadiums in Houston and Dallas, also have retractable roofs and mild climate control.

Summer heat waves are also common in North America and Mexico, where temperatures can be 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) or more above average, potentially creating a more challenging situation for players and fans.

For example, in New York, where this year’s World Cup final will be held on July 19 at 15:00 ET (20:00 BST), a typical heatwave can result in temperatures reaching the mid-30s F (mid 90s F), with WBGT around 30 C (86 F), resulting in extreme heat stress.