World Cup matches are set to be contested in sweltering conditions as summer temperatures continue to climb, with players already voicing their frustration ahead of further potential interruptions.
The 2026 World Cup kicked off on June 11 in Mexico City, with five weeks of action through to the final on July 19. Fixtures are being staged across Mexico, Canada and the United States, with temperatures expected to soar over the coming weeks as fans brace themselves for extreme conditions.
Despite some displeasure surrounding the two hydration breaks per game — widely criticized as little more than glorified commercial breaks — they could prove crucial in the weeks ahead.
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Miami is bracing for intense heat, with Saudi Arabia's recent clash against Uruguay played in the city, where temperatures peaked at 88°F at one point.
The hydration breaks have been slammed by so many around the world -Credit:Getty Images
The global players' union, FIFPRO, has made its stance clear that any match played at or above 82°F should be either delayed or postponed, reports the Mirror US .
This World Cup is widely considered the hottest on record. The 2022 Qatar World Cup was relocated to the winter months specifically due to the heat — a measure not adopted for this year's tournament.
FIFA had previously been cautioned that it risked staging games in "potentially dangerous levels of heat."
Dr. Donal Mullan, a climate scientist at Queen's University, published extensive research indicating that nearly 90 percent of stadiums could be exposed to potentially dangerous heat levels — a situation only likely to deteriorate as the tournament progresses into its final stages.
Players are facing extreme temperatures in the World Cup this year -Credit:Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu via Getty Images
"There is a very real risk that both players and fans will be exposed to extreme heat during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Moving games to evenings isn't going to be enough to tackle the problem," Dr. Mullan said.
"I would urge football fans to prepare in advance for perilous conditions to protect their safety. Staying well hydrated is vital.
"Since March, we have seen record-breaking temperatures across parts of the US. Global warming is a real challenge.
"As a society, we now feel the impact of this in so many areas of our lives. For sport, it's fast becoming a public health issue."
He added: Climate change is having a big impact on the world around us, including elite sport. The first priority has to be the health and welfare of athletes and spectators.
