One in four matches at the 2026 World Cup could be played in extreme heat, the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network of climate scientists has warned.
WWA’s scientific analysis estimates that 26 of the 104 matches could be played in conditions reaching at least 26 degrees wet bulb temperature (WBGT) – an index that measures how efficiently the human body can cool itself under the influence of heat, humidity, sun exposure and wind.
At 26 degrees WBGT, international football union FIFPRO recommends cooling down breaks as heat exhaustion becomes a real danger for players.
Five games could reach 28 degrees or more, the level at which FIFPRO recommends matches be postponed or moved.
FIFA has already mandated cooling-down breaks in each half during the championship, which will be played from June 11 to July 19 in 16 stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Three stadiums, in Dallas, Houston and Atlanta, are air-conditioned, but more than a third of the games at risk of 26 degrees will be played in non-air-conditioned stadiums.
– The fact that the final itself can be played in conditions dangerous to health should be an alarm for FIFA and fans – said Friederike Otto, co-founder of WWA and professor of climate science at Imperial College in London.
During the 1994 World Cup, hosted by the United States, 21 games were expected to reach a similar temperature threshold, according to the WWA.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
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