As England prepares to kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, on June 17, fans are being warned about a formidable opponent off the pitch: extreme heat. While the AT&T Stadium offers air-conditioned comfort for players and spectators, the real danger lies outside its walls, where soaring temperatures could pose serious health risks to traveling supporters.
Academics from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group have sounded the alarm, highlighting that England fans are among those most vulnerable to heat-related complications. The primary concerns extend beyond the match itself, encompassing everything from walking to the stadium and queuing for entry to attending outdoor fan festivals and navigating crowded public transport. For many, this means prolonged exposure to the elements, far beyond the 90 minutes of play.
The WWA's research points to a one-in-three chance that the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)—a key measure of how well the body can cool itself—will exceed 28 degrees Celsius in Dallas on match day. To put that in perspective, FIFPRO, the world players' union, recommends match postponements when this figure hits 28 degrees. Overall, the WWA predicts nine of the tournament's 104 matches will see WBGT readings above 26 degrees, where safety measures are advised, with about five matches likely to surpass the 28-degree threshold.
Dr. Chris Millington from Imperial College London emphasizes that the greatest risk is to spectators, not the elite athletes on the field. "They're more medically diverse—maybe older, very young, or have underlying conditions like cardiovascular disease, kidney issues, or metabolic problems," he explains. "They may be taking medications that affect heat tolerance, and they're often unacclimatised visitors."
Dr. Millington paints a vivid picture of the perfect storm facing fans: "People with medical comorbidities, such as heart disease, will go into that situation. They'll probably not hydrate well the night before, might not sleep well, and then have some beer during the day. Gradually, they'll get hotter and hotter." For England supporters making the trip, staying safe means planning ahead—staying hydrated, seeking shade, and recognizing the signs of heat stress before it's too late.