The opening line of the official theme song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup reads: ‘I’ve never felt so free. I’m high, and I’m getting higher.’ Although the words try to convey the idea of a growing free spirit, this will not be the only thing on the rise.
The ‘high’ and the ‘higher’ could just as easily be associated with the sweltering temperatures expected during the summer extravaganza, where 16 venues across the US, Canada and Mexico prepare to host 104 matches.
Before the tournament, which is largely held in the US, concerns about the heat arose a year ago when the country hosted the revamped FIFA Club World Cup. At the time, players, managers, fans and even the global players’ union FIFPRO raised concerns about the conditions.
Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente called the climate «terribly hot» and added that «my toes ached and my nails ached,» while managers such as Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique and Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca said on several occasions that it was difficult to survive 90 minutes on the pitch.
Divide and dissolve
The backlash has to some extent forced the football governing body to be more pragmatic in allocating the matches this time.
Across four time zones, and with the global audience in mind, 43 matches will kick off between 12pm and 4pm local time, when the sun is at its brightest. A study published by the National Library of Medicine predicts that Monterrey, Boston, Philadelphia, Kansas City, New York and Miami are at the greatest risk of heat.
Consequently, the first four cities on that list have only been allocated four combined matches starting on or before 4pm.
Much of the burden of hosting afternoon games will fall on arenas that have the ability to close their roofs and regulate internal temperatures.
AT&T Stadium and NRG Stadium in Dallas and Houston, along with Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, will host 17 afternoon kickoffs, while SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles has a translucent cable net canopy that will help soften conditions for another five. However, only a limited number of risk management measures can be taken.
Meanwhile, the other two cities will share five afternoon matches, with New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, five miles from New York, set to host the final on July 17, starting at 3 p.m.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, since 2016, the average maximum temperature in June and July in Miami and New Jersey has been 33.07°C and 29.16°C, respectively. For context, when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (a comprehensive heat stress index) rises above 80°F (28°C), the average human body stops properly cooling itself through sweating.
This in turn increases the risk of Exertional Heat Illness (EIH), a spectrum of health problems including cramps, dizziness and, in extreme cases, heat stroke.
Breakpoint: As a precaution, FIFA has announced that every match at the World Cup will have three-minute hydration breaks in both halves. | Photo credit: Getty Images
Breakpoint: As a precaution, FIFA has announced that every match at the World Cup will have three-minute hydration breaks in both halves. | Photo credit: Getty Images
Response measures
Although a professional player is expected to have greater endurance than the average person, FIFA has announced that every match at the World Cup will include three-minute hydration breaks in each half as a precaution.
The breaks are deemed necessary and will last 22 minutes in each half regardless of venue or weather conditions, unlike FIFA’s previous rule where matches were only interrupted when the WBGT reached 32°C. While this is a welcome move, US coach Mauricio Pochettino believes the break should not be mandatory, especially in stadiums where the effects of heat can be controlled.
«To be honest, I don’t like it because I think you cut off the rhythm of the game. I understand that when you play in open stadiums, maybe we have to care about the health of the players. But in these types of stadiums, when it is 21, 22, 23 degrees Celsius, I think it is the perfect time and weather to play.»
But that is the new rule we have to accept,” he said after his side’s 2-5 friendly defeat to Belgium in Atlanta in March.
Managers may have differing views on the matter, but another beneficiary of the breaks will be broadcasters, who have been given the green light by FIFA to cut back on commercials during this period. However, according to reports, FIFA has mandated that advertisements should not start within 20 seconds of the referee’s whistle and must end at least 30 seconds before play resumes.
It remains to be seen whether the measures taken will affect performance on the field. By choosing not to move the ‘world’s biggest show’ from its traditional summer period to winter, have the host countries, unlike their predecessor Qatar, taken on a task too hot to handle?
Published on June 5, 2026
