Professional football players are demanding that FIFA introduce enhanced safety protocols to protect them from extreme heat during the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. This call comes after scientists and medical experts warned that FIFA's current heat safety measures are insufficient and could jeopardize player welfare. Norway midfielder Morten Thorsby highlighted that extreme heat negatively impacts player performance and the overall entertainment value of the sport. Researchers predict that temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums used could reach dangerous levels, with some international experts in health, climate, and sports performance deeming FIFA's existing guidelines "inadequate" and "impossible to justify." They advocate for stronger protections, including longer cooling breaks and clear protocols for delaying or postponing games under extreme conditions.
FIFA has stated it has boosted heat protocols, including mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in each half, regardless of conditions. The organization also indicated that scheduling, stadium selection, and operational planning consider climate conditions, with efforts to limit outdoor matches during the hottest parts of the day and adjust kick-off times. However, critics, including a letter from players, argue that these measures do not go far enough. FIFPRO, the global union for professional football players, suggests that games should be postponed when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches 28 degrees Celsius, a level FIFA's official regulations only consider postponing above 32 degrees Celsius. Studies show that 31 out of 57 matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup were played at a WBGT of 28 degrees Celsius or higher, which experts believe should have led to cancellations.
The concerns about heat are compounded by fears of player burnout due to an expanded tournament format. The 2026 World Cup will feature 104 games, a 60 percent increase from Qatar 2022, with semi-finalists playing eight matches, one more than in previous tournaments. This expanded schedule, combined with an already congested domestic and international football calendar, has led to players accumulating significantly more minutes. Data from Football Benchmark indicates that elite players' average match count has increased from 61 in the 2018-19 season to 73 last season, exceeding the recommended maximum of 55 matches per season. This intense workload, coupled with extreme heat, raises significant risks of injury and reduced performance, impacting both player health and the quality of the competition.
