World Cup 2026: How extreme heat and storms could impact teams

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears its end, teams are preparing not only for their opponents but also for potentially challenging weather conditions across North America.

With matches set to be played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada during the peak of summer, extreme heat, high humidity, and severe thunderstorms could emerge as major factors throughout the tournament.

Climate Concerns Ahead of the Tournament

A report by the World Weather Attribution (WWA), a network of international climate scientists, has highlighted the possibility of dangerous playing conditions in several host cities.

According to the study, 14 of the 16 host cities could regularly experience Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings of at least 28°C. At that level, FIFPro, the global players’ union, recommends considering match postponements to protect players from heat-related illnesses.

Researchers estimate that around 25 per cent of the tournament’s 104 matches could be played under potentially hazardous combinations of heat and humidity, creating significant challenges for players, coaching staff, and organisers.

Host Cities Facing the Greatest Risk

Some World Cup venues are expected to experience particularly intense weather conditions.

Dallas, Houston, and Monterrey have been identified as cities where the heat index could rise to as high as 49°C. Other venues, including Miami, Kansas City, New York, and Philadelphia, have also been highlighted as locations where players may be exposed to difficult playing conditions.

The WWA report noted that the risk of extreme heat affecting World Cup matches has almost doubled compared to the 1994 World Cup, the last edition hosted in North America.

Thunderstorms Could Disrupt Fixtures

Beyond the threat of heat, severe thunderstorms could also impact the tournament schedule.

Under United States safety regulations, any match must be suspended immediately if lightning is detected within a 13-kilometre radius of a stadium. Play can only resume after 30 consecutive minutes without another lightning strike.

A similar situation occurred during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup when Chelsea’s round-of-16 match against Benfica in Charlotte was delayed for nearly two hours due to adverse weather conditions.

Such interruptions could affect team preparations, recovery periods, and match momentum during a competition where margins are often extremely small.

Some Teams Face Tougher Conditions Than Others

Weather projections suggest that not all teams will face the same level of exposure to extreme temperatures during the group stage.

France, Tunisia, and Ghana are among the nations expected to encounter some of the hottest conditions during the opening phase of the competition.

Morocco, meanwhile, is projected to rank 24th among participating teams in terms of expected heat exposure. The Atlas Lions are scheduled to face Brazil in New Jersey, Scotland in Massachusetts, and Haiti in Atlanta during the group stage.

While their opening fixtures are expected to be played under manageable conditions, potential knockout matches in cities such as Houston, Monterrey, or Miami could present a far greater challenge.

Adapting to a New Reality

The expanded 48-team tournament is already set to make history as the largest World Cup ever staged. However, the weather could become one of the defining stories of the competition.

Teams are expected to implement detailed hydration strategies, recovery plans, and squad rotation policies to cope with the demanding conditions. Fitness levels, medical preparation, and environmental adaptation may prove just as important as tactics and technical quality.

As football enters a new era, World Cup 2026 may offer a glimpse into how the sport adapts to increasingly extreme weather conditions, with heat and storms becoming factors that could influence results as much as anything that happens on the pitch.