2026 World Cup Is Here: Which Host Cities Face the Biggest Heat Risk?

The 2026 World Cup kicks off both literally and figuratively on Thursday in Mexico. In addition to Mexico, the 104 total matches will also be played in the U.S. and Canada over the next month, culminating with the final on July 19 at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey. What does the weather have in store for this global event? Read on for all of the details about how Mother Nature may impact the upcoming event.

Details of FIFA's Heat Policy

FIFA, international soccer's governing body, has announced several heat-busting strategies that are being implemented for the upcoming World Cup. These measures include mandatory three-minute cooling breaks during each half of the match, later start times in the hotter host cities, cooled benches available for players and staff, and the installation of misting systems and cooling bags. In addition, fans are allowed to bring factory-sealed bottles of water into the stadiums.

The organization also has an expanded heat policy that takes into account the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT). This metric is a more comprehensive heat index that also takes wind speed and direct sunshine into account. The WBGT is considered to be more accurate than a simple heat index when measuring the impact on people.

FIFA's emergency manual details that a WBGT of 90 degrees is when "precautions need to be taken to prevent any heat-related illness from occurring." However, some experts believe that this benchmark is too high. Scientists who specialize in the connection between climate and health wrote an open letter to FIFA in May urging the agency to adopt stricter criteria for triggering the extra precautions.

Stadiums Most at Risk of Experiencing Dangerous Heat

The two stadiums that are most vulnerable to the impacts of the weather in the coming weeks are in Miami and Monterrey, Mexico. Miami averages a high of about 90 degrees this time of the year. Amplifying the air temperatures are dew points that hover in the low to mid 70s, putting the average heat index between mid-June and mid-July at about 102 degrees. Fans attending the games in Miami will want to be extra cautious, particularly considering that six of the seven matches at this South Florida venue are slated to kick off in the late afternoon during the peak heating hours.