Extreme Heat and Storms Raise Concerns for World Cup Matches

Concerns are growing over extreme weather ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the United States, Canada and Mexico will host together. The tournament will be staged in 16 cities, with wildfires in the southern U.S. states and California, and their impact on air quality, seen as major risks. In the United States, outdoor sports events must be suspended for 30 minutes when lightning is detected, a rule that led to the postponement of six matches at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. FIFA plans to use air-conditioning systems in some stadiums in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Vancouver to reduce health risks linked to heat. Climate experts warn that about a quarter of the tournament could be affected by extreme heat. A group of professional players led by Norwegian footballer Morten Thorsby has also asked FIFA to update its heat-stress protocols.