Experts have issued a warning that players and enthusiasts will face dangerous heat and humidity conditions at the upcoming World Cup. The analysis by World Weather Attribution (WWA) indicates that climate change has significantly increased temperature risks compared to the last World Cup hosted in the US in 1994.
FIFPRO, the global players’ union, is advocating for precautionary measures to safeguard participants during the tournament in the US, Mexico, and Canada this summer. According to meteorological and climate experts, approximately 25% of the 104 scheduled games are likely to be played under conditions surpassing 26°C (78.8°F) on the wet bulb global temperature (WBGT) scale.
The WBGT system assesses how heat affects the body’s cooling ability, with FIFPRO recommending the implementation of safety protocols like cooling when temperatures exceed the specified threshold. Matches at risk of surpassing the benchmark include the tournament final in New York and New Jersey on July 19, along with two quarter-finals and a third-place play-off.
WWA further predicts around five games could occur when the WBGT exceeds 28°C (82.4°F), a level deemed unsafe by FIFPRO, which advises postponing such matches. This temperature level is equivalent to approximately 38°C (100.4°F) in dry heat or 30°C (86°F) in high humidity.
Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge, FIFPRO’s medical director, emphasized the need for mitigation strategies to protect players based on WWA’s findings. Similarly, Dr. Friederike Otto from Imperial College London, part of WWA, highlighted the tangible impact of climate change on the feasibility of hosting World Cups in the summer.
The concerns follow complaints from players and managers during last year’s Club World Cup due to extreme heat conditions. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez expressed feeling dizzy in the dangerous heat, while England manager Thomas Tuchel hinted at possible adjustments for substitutes during matches due to high temperatures.
Twenty leading scientists have signed a letter urging FIFA to revamp its approach, proposing measures like delaying or postponing matches above 28°C WBGT, longer cooling breaks, enhanced player cooling facilities, and regular guideline updates based on scientific advancements. While FIFA has not directly commented on the letter, they mentioned adopting a tiered heat mitigation model for the upcoming tournament to adapt measures in real-time.
With the World Cup approaching, FIFA assured dedicated meteorological support, real-time monitoring of WBGT and heat index, and a climate-conscious schedule with adjusted kick-off times to mitigate heat risks. The organization pledged to continue monitoring conditions and implementing contingency plans to ensure a safe and resilient tournament.
England’s national team, preparing in Kansas City, will encounter intense humidity and ‘corn sweat,’ a weather phenomenon caused by corn plants releasing water vapor, making heat waves feel hotter. The team selected the location to minimize travel and acclimate for potential matches in Mexico City later in the tournament.
