Overview
- World Weather Attribution, which released its match-by-match analysis Thursday, estimates roughly 25% of the 104 games will exceed 26°C on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature scale that blends heat, humidity, sun and wind.
- About five matches could reach 28°C WBGT, a level FIFPRO says should trigger postponement, with the July 19 final in New Jersey carrying a one-in-eight chance of topping 26°C and about a 3% risk of hitting 28°C.
- An open letter from 20 health and climate experts calls FIFA’s current heat rules inadequate and urges longer cooling breaks and firm postponement triggers once WBGT passes 28°C.
- FIFA says it will use a tiered heat plan with real-time WBGT monitoring, mandatory three-minute hydration breaks each half, cooling areas for fans, enhanced medical readiness and scheduling that steers games away from the hottest hours.
- Researchers warn fans face the greatest danger because of long outdoor exposure at fan zones, queues and transit, with only three stadiums air conditioned and high‑risk venues in Miami, Kansas City, New York and Philadelphia lacking stadium cooling.