A coalition of 20 leading international scientists has issued a stark warning to FIFA, declaring that current heat safety protocols for the 2026 men's World Cup are dangerously inadequate and could expose players to serious health risks. In an open letter coordinated by the New Weather Institute, the group—which includes experts in health, climate, and sports performance—urges football's governing body to adopt stronger protections well in advance of the tournament, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
The scientists argue that FIFA's existing measures fall out of step with modern science and are 'impossible to justify.' Central to their criticism is the mandated three-minute cooling break in each half, which they say is far too short to allow players' core body temperatures to drop sufficiently. Andrew Simms, director of the New Weather Institute, told BBC Sport: "Player safety is an immediate and urgent concern because things can go wrong very quickly when people overheat. We're worried that FIFA is playing recklessly with the health and safety of players."
To address these shortcomings, the letter demands that FIFA: delay or postpone matches whenever the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 28°C; extend cooling breaks to at least six minutes per half; improve on-field cooling resources; and continually update guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. Professor Douglas Casa of the University of Connecticut, a signatory, emphasized that the hydration break "absolutely needs to be longer than three minutes—at least five minutes for each break and preferably six." The experts also want FIFA to align its standards with those proposed by global players' union FIFPRO, which has long campaigned for stricter heat safety.
The 2026 World Cup's geography makes heat a pressing issue. Researchers have warned that 14 of the 16 host stadiums could see temperatures climb into dangerous territory. In the southern United States and northern Mexico, average daytime highs in June and July regularly hover in the low to mid-30s Celsius, often spiking toward 40°C. When combined with humidity, wind, and direct sunlight, the heat stress on athletes becomes extreme, and the WBGT—the gold-standard metric for thermal safety in sport—can surpass levels considered safe for elite competition.
New analysis from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group reveals that the risk of such conditions has nearly doubled since the 1994 World Cup, which was also staged in North America. Climate change is cited as the key driver. The WWA projects that approximately a quarter of matches at the 2026 tournament will be played with a WBGT above 26°C, and about five games could exceed 28°C—a threshold FIFPRO says is unsafe. At 28°C WBGT, which equates to roughly 38°C in dry heat or 30°C with high humidity, the body's ability to shed heat through sweating is severely compromised, increasing the danger of heat exhaustion, cramps, or potentially fatal heat stroke.
FIFA's current heat protocol, outlined in its emergency care manual, sets a warning stage at 32°C WBGT, at which point organizers are advised to agree on additional precautions. However, the manual does not mandate automatic delays or cancellations, leaving critical decisions to local discretion. The governing body has announced that all matches will feature the three-minute cooling pauses, and climate-controlled benches will be provided for substitutes and staff. FIFA also says it will employ a tiered heat mitigation model, adapting measures based on real-time weather monitoring and dedicated meteorological support.
The scientists argue that this approach is insufficient and lags behind the 28°C WBGT safety limit widely endorsed by sports medicine researchers. They contend that the current guidelines fail to adequately protect players from the rapid onset of heat-related illness during intense physical activity. The letter points out that when WBGT is high, even a few minutes of sustained exertion can push an athlete into a medical emergency, and that longer, stronger cooling interventions are not just advisable but essential.
FIFA, while declining to comment directly on the letter, stated that player welfare is a top priority and that climate-related risks have been thoroughly assessed throughout tournament planning. A spokesperson noted that kick-off times have been adjusted to avoid peak heat, that matches in the hottest locations are scheduled for air-conditioned indoor stadiums where possible, and that contingency plans are in place. The body emphasized ongoing real-time monitoring and collaboration with host authorities and medical experts to ensure a "safe and resilient" event.
The clash highlights a growing tension between commercial schedules and athlete safety in an era of escalating global temperatures. Top players already compete in searing conditions during summer tournaments, and scientists warn that without meaningful reforms, the World Cup could become a stage for preventable health crises. The scientists' intervention also puts pressure on FIFA to modernize its guidelines in line with advanced sports science, rather than relying on thresholds set years ago. With player unions and medical experts increasingly vocal, the 2026 tournament may become a watershed moment for how elite sport confronts the realities of climate change.
As preparations intensify, the open letter serves as a high-level reminder that environmental conditions can be as challenging as any opponent. For FIFA, the choice is clear: update the rulebook now or risk the consequences of inaction under the sweltering North American sun. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.