Scientists warn that heatwaves, thunderstorms, and wildfires across North America could disrupt matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, may face serious disruptions due to extreme weather conditions.
Experts warn that heat, humidity, thunderstorms, and wildfire-related air pollution could all affect matches in several host cities.
Summer storms in the United States often bring lightning, which can force mandatory 30-minute delays in outdoor events. Each new lightning strike within a safety radius resets the delay, potentially disrupting match schedules.
Previous tournaments, including the FIFA Club World Cup, already experienced multiple weather-related stoppages, raising concerns about future global football events in North America.
Heat is another major concern. Many host cities regularly experience temperatures above 32°C, with humidity making conditions feel even hotter for players and fans.
Medical experts warn that such conditions could reduce player performance and increase health risks for spectators, especially in open-air stadiums.
Some venues will have roofs or air conditioning, including stadiums in cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. However, many others remain exposed to extreme weather.
Climate scientists also warn that wildfires in regions like California and Canada could worsen air quality during the tournament, adding another layer of risk.
FIFA has introduced cooling breaks during matches, but researchers say rising global temperatures could still significantly impact game conditions.
Experts emphasize that improved weather forecasting and safety protocols will be essential, as climate change is expected to make extreme weather events more frequent and unpredictable during major sporting events.
