Leading Scientists Warn FIFA's 2026 World Cup Heat Safety Standards Inadequate

New York. A group of the world's leading scientists have warned that FIFA's current temperature safety standards for the 2026 Men's World Cup are inadequate. They stated that players could face serious health risks due to these standards. International experts in health, climate, and sports performance wrote an open letter stating that FIFA's guidelines do not align with current science and are impossible to justify. The experts have urged FIFA to arrange long 'cooling breaks' in extreme conditions and implement clear rules for starting or postponing matches late. Heat is expected to be a major challenge in this year's competition, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to researchers, the temperature could exceed dangerous levels in 14 out of the 16 stadiums to be used. In parts of South America and northern Mexico, average afternoon temperatures range between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, and can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius with hot winds. Based on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation intensity, there is a high risk that players' bodies will experience extreme levels of heat stress in the cities where the World Cup will be held. FIFA has stated that it is committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, and staff. According to FIFA, climate-related risks were also assessed during the planning of the competition.