Climate agency says rising temperatures may endanger players and fans across North America during upcoming tournament.
The United Nations Climate Secretariat has issued a warning over the potential dangers of extreme heat during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting risks for players, officials, workers and spectators across host countries.
The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, is expected to take place in conditions of high temperatures and humidity, with some matches likely to be played in heat reaching around 30°C or higher.
Speaking at the start of the 10-day June Climate Meetings in Bonn, the UN Climate Secretariat said the event will unfold at a time when extreme heat conditions are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest tournament in football history, will be played at a time of rising levels of extreme heat, driven by worsening climate change, hitting billions of people around the world,” the statement said.
It added that heat stress is expected to be a defining factor of the tournament, affecting not only on-field performance but also fan experience in stadiums, surrounding areas and host cities.
“This extreme heat can be expected to be part of the story of the tournament, on the pitch, in the stands, around stadiums and across host cities,” the agency noted.
The UN Climate Secretariat further warned that approximately one in four matches could be played under dangerous heat conditions. While players are expected to receive immediate medical attention if required, concerns were raised about the safety of fans and workers outside stadium environments.
“The danger can be greatest outside the stadium. Fan zones, queues, transport routes, car parks and outdoor celebrations can expose people to dangerous heat for hours,” the agency cautioned.
It added that the impacts of heat exposure extend beyond sporting venues, stressing that prolonged exposure in crowded outdoor areas could increase health risks significantly.
“It’s hot and getting hotter. That’s not random. That’s climate change,” the statement said.
The warning comes shortly after football’s global governing body, FIFA, reversed its earlier decision to ban supporters from bringing empty plastic bottles into stadiums for refilling at hydration points. The move followed criticism from fan groups, who argued that such restrictions could worsen dehydration risks in hot and humid conditions.
The latest concerns from the UN Climate Secretariat highlight the growing intersection between climate change and major international sporting events, raising questions about future tournament planning and athlete and spectator safety standards.
