Overview
- World Weather Attribution’s match-by-match study published Thursday estimates about 25% of the 104 games will exceed 26°C on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature scale, which gauges how well the body can cool itself.
- Roughly five matches could reach or top 28°C WBGT, a level where the global players’ union FIFPRO advises postponement to protect player health.
- An international group of doctors and scientists issued an open letter urging FIFA to toughen safeguards, calling current rules inadequate and asking for longer cooling breaks and clear postponement thresholds.
- FIFA says it will use a tiered heat plan with real-time WBGT monitoring, mandatory three‑minute hydration breaks in each half, added cooling for players and fans, and scheduling that avoids the hottest windows where possible.
- Risk varies by venue because only three stadiums have air conditioning, with higher exposure flagged for Miami, Kansas City, New York/New Jersey and Philadelphia, and the MetLife final carrying about a one‑in‑eight chance of exceeding 26°C WBGT and roughly a 3% chance of hitting 28°C; fans at outdoor festivals and queues face the longest and riskiest heat exposure.