The World Cup just had one of its hottest matches, in a challenge for the sport

Lead

The 2026 World Cup has been marked by intense heat, with multiple matches played in conditions that players' union Fifpro has warned should prompt delays or postponements. As a record-breaking heatwave grips North America, both players and spectators are facing sweltering conditions, raising questions about how the sport adapts to a warming planet.

Coverage Comparison

ABC Australia reported that North America is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave, and that heat protocols may result in game postponement, though such an outcome appears unlikely given television ratings at stake. The broadcaster noted that nine group-stage games met Fifpro's thresholds for delay or postponement, and attributed the exceptional heat to human-driven climate change. FIFA's rules dictate that play should be reconsidered when the wet-bulb temperature reaches 32C, according to ABC Australia.

The Guardian's analysis of the 72-game group stage found that an estimated nine matches were played in conditions of severe heat that Fifpro has previously said should trigger delays or postponements. An additional 13 matches may have been played in cities with temperatures beyond that level, but in air-conditioned stadiums. The Guardian also reported that Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings above 32C trigger cooling breaks and match delays, and that FIFA's heat protections include mandatory hydration breaks and air conditioning. An extreme heat warning is currently in effect for Kansas City and New York City, according to The Guardian.

Both outlets highlighted the role of climate change in these conditions. ABC Australia quoted experts linking the heat to human activities, while The Guardian quoted the UN's top climate official, Simon Stiell, who said, "More extreme heat is not random, it's climate change, caused by more than a century of burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas."

Key Claims

• Nine group-stage games met thresholds for delay or postponement: Both ABC Australia and The Guardian reported that nine matches in the group stage were played in conditions that Fifpro has argued should trigger delays or postponements, based on wet-bulb globe temperature data.

• FIFA's heat rules set at 32C WBGT: ABC Australia reported that FIFA's rules dictate play should be reconsidered when the wet-bulb temperature reaches 32C. The Guardian similarly stated that WBGT readings above 32C trigger cooling breaks and match delays.

• Record-breaking heatwave in North America: ABC Australia reported that North America is in the grips of a record-breaking heatwave, with the "feels-like" temperature in Miami expected to hit 43C ahead of the semifinal between Norway and England.

• Extreme heat warnings in Kansas City and New York City: The Guardian reported that an extreme heat warning is in effect for both cities, potentially making conditions more challenging for players and fans.

• FIFA's heat protections: The Guardian reported that FIFA's protections include mandatory hydration breaks and air conditioning, which have allowed some matches to be played in cities with temperatures beyond the threshold.

• Climate change as the cause: Both ABC Australia and The Guardian attributed the exceptional heat to human-driven climate change, with expert quotes supporting this connection. Fifpro's spokesperson told The Guardian that "with a warming planet, heat conditions will play a bigger part in tournament and league scheduling decisions in the future."

Perspectives

Fifpro, the global players' union, has argued that heat conditions should play a larger role in scheduling decisions. A spokesperson told The Guardian: "The lesson for everyone in the industry is that with a warming planet, heat conditions will play a bigger part in tournament and league scheduling decisions in the future." This perspective is echoed by climate officials, with Simon Stiell of the UN stating that extreme heat is directly linked to climate change caused by fossil fuel burning. On the other side, FIFA's existing heat protocols—including mandatory hydration breaks and air conditioning—are designed to protect players, though the union's stance suggests more stringent measures may be needed.