Study warns quarter of World Cup matches face unsafe heat risks.

A new study warns that a quarter of the FIFA World Cup matches will face unsafe heat conditions. Experts from World Weather Attribution analyzed all 104 scheduled games across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Their findings indicate that five specific matches are so hot they should be postponed entirely.

Many of these dangerous games are set in venues lacking air conditioning. Locations such as Miami, Kansas City, New York, and Philadelphia face significant risks. British fans should note that Scotland's match against Brazil in Miami on June 24 falls within this high-risk group.

Dr Joyce Kimutai from Imperial College London highlighted the rapid climate shift over the last 32 years. She stated that organizers have tried to mitigate risks by scheduling games in uncooled locations like Miami later in the day. However, she warned that a real danger remains for players and fans facing unsafe environments.

Researchers focused on Wet Bulb Globe Temperature rather than simple air temperature. Dr Chris Mullington, a co-author, explained that a 30°C day changes drastically with high humidity. He noted that humidity reduces sweat evaporation, which limits the body's primary cooling mechanism. Consequently, the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index is crucial for safety.

The analysis shows that 26 percent of games will occur when WBGT exceeds 26°C. At this level, FIFPRO advises implementing cooling measures like hydration stations. Only three of the 16 venues currently have cooling systems in place. Over a third of the games with at least a one in ten chance of exceeding this limit are in uncooled stadiums.

Five games are expected to happen when WBGT rises above 28°C. This level equates to roughly 38°C in dry heat or 30°C in high humidity. FIFPRO considers conditions above this threshold unsafe for play and recommends postponement. Dr Mullington added that player performance will suffer when WBGT exceeds 26°C.

When temperatures climb above 28°C, the danger of severe heat illness increases significantly. This threat affects not only the players on the field but also the hundreds of thousands of fans attending stadiums and outdoor festivals.

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and can be life-threatening. It poses a particular risk to older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Currently, only three of the 16 tournament venues have cooling measures in place. Over a third of the games, which carry at least a one in ten chance of exceeding a 26°C WBGT index, are scheduled in venues without air conditioning.

The final match in the New York New Jersey Stadium now faces a one in eight chance of exceeding the 26°C mark. There is also a three per cent chance of reaching the more dangerous 28°C level. For context, this risk is around double what the final faced in 1994.

Furthermore, all 16 host cities are staging open-air Fan Festivals. This means hundreds of thousands of supporters could face unprecedented heat, even if the stadiums themselves are cooled.

The researchers attribute these dangerous conditions to human-induced climate change. They hope their findings will spark urgent action to reduce global warming.

Dr Friederike Otto, co-author of the study, stated that their research shows climate change is having a real and measurable impact on the viability of holding World Cups during the northern hemisphere summer.

She noted that while the 1994 World Cup may not feel particularly distant to many adults today, half of human-induced climate change has occurred since then.

Dr Otto emphasized that the fact the World Cup Final faces a non-insignificant risk of being played in cancellation-level heat should be a wake-up call for FIFA and fans. She highlighted the urgent need to realize that there is no aspect of society not affected by climate change.