Scientists warn Fifa over 'inadequate' heat safety measures for 2026 World Cup

A group of world-leading scientists have warned Fifa its current heat safety measures for the men's 2026 World Cup are "inadequate" and could put players at risk of serious harm. In an open letter, external, international experts in health, climate and sports performance say the governing body's guidelines are out of step with the current science and "impossible to justify". They call on Fifa to introduce stronger protections, including longer cooling breaks and clearer protocols for delaying or postponing games in extreme conditions. Heat is expected to be an issue at this summer's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with researchers warning temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums being used could exceed dangerous levels. In parts of the southern US and northern Mexico, average daytime highs are typically in the low to mid-30Cs and can rise towards 40C during hotter spells. When temperature, humidity, wind speeds and the strength of the sunshine are factored in, players in these World Cup host cities are at greatest risk of experiencing extreme levels of heat stress on the body. Fifa says it is "committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff" and that climate-related risks are assessed as part of tournament planning. As part of it's "commitment to player welfare", Fifa has introduced mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in each half of every match for the tournament, regardless of weather conditions. There will be climate-controlled benches for technical staff and substitutes at all outdoor matches. Fifa also uses the gold-standard heat measure for sport, the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which assesses physical heat stress on the body and combines heat and humidity. A WBGT of around 28C is widely considered a threshold at which heat stress becomes a significant concern for elite athletes. According to Fifa's emergency care manual, external, if the WBGT reading is near, at or above 32C, match organisers should agree "what precautions need to be taken to prevent any heat-related illness from occurring". Fifa says it also has measures in place for fans at matches "when forecasts indicate elevated temperatures". Spectators will be allowed to bring in a factory-sealed water bottle, and venues will activate additional cooling, including shaded areas, misting systems, cooling buses and expanded water distribution. Andrew Simms, director of the New Weather Institute, who coordinated the letter, told BBC Sport: "Player safety is an immediate and urgent concern because things can go wrong very quickly when people overheat. "We're worried that Fifa is playing recklessly with the health and safety of players." Another signatory, Professor Douglas Casa from the University of Connecticut, said large parts of Fifa's current guidance was far from ideal: "The hydration break in each half absolutely needs to be longer than three minutes - at least five minutes for each break and preferably six. "We hope this open letter convinces Fifa to update its heat guidelines before the World Cup."