The FIFA World Cup 2026, set to kick off in North America, faces significant challenges from extreme heat, suffocating humidity, and potential thunderstorms.

• Scientists warn that nearly a quarter of matches could exceed recommended safety limits for heat stress, with climate change increasing the likelihood of performance-impairing temperatures for 97 of 104 matches.
• Sports scientists and physiology professors like Chris Minson and Ryan Calsbeek highlight the risks posed by high heat and humidity, particularly in venues like Houston, Miami, Dallas, and Monterrey.
• FIFA has implemented three-minute hydration breaks per half and considered environmental factors in scheduling, but experts suggest more stringent interventions, including mandated cooling breaks and potential match postponements, are necessary.