A new study has warned that over a third of FIFA World Cup games have at least a one in ten chance of exceeding twenty-six degrees Celsius wet bulb globe temperature, a threshold considered dangerous for athletes and spectators alike.
Air conditioning mitigates some of the risks in four of the sixteen venues, but the study found that over a third of games with elevated heat risk are scheduled in venues that lack cooling systems.
The findings are particularly concerning given that the tournament takes place during June and July across the United States, Canada and Mexico, when summer temperatures in many host cities can be extreme.
The study further indicates that these likelihood and intensity levels are projected to increase as the planet continues to warm, with estimated increases ranging from approximately zero point seven degrees to one degree with additional global warming.
Wet bulb globe temperature is considered a more comprehensive measure of heat stress than air temperature alone, as it accounts for humidity, wind speed and solar radiation. It is the standard metric used by sports organisations to assess heat danger.
Tournament organisers have implemented heat protocols including mandatory cooling breaks, additional water stations and the ability to suspend matches in extreme conditions. However, critics say these measures may not be sufficient for the most vulnerable spectators.
The research adds to growing concerns about the intersection of climate change and major sporting events. With global temperatures continuing to rise, future World Cups and other outdoor tournaments face increasingly challenging conditions.