The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a historic tournament—but not just for the football. A new study is raising serious red flags about extreme heat, and it's a wake-up call for players, fans, and anyone who loves the beautiful game.

Football's global players' union, FIFPRO, has renewed its concerns after climate scientists warned that dangerous temperatures are becoming far more likely during the tournament. The analysis, conducted by the climate research group World Weather Attribution, found that roughly a quarter of the 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada could be played in conditions that exceed safety limits recommended by FIFPRO. That's nearly double the heat risk seen during the 1994 World Cup in the U.S.

Even more alarming: around five matches could take place in conditions considered so unsafe that postponement would be advised. Scientists assessed the risk using kickoff times and the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index—a measure of how effectively the body can cool itself. When WBGT rises above 26 degrees Celsius, cooling measures are recommended. If it hits 28°C (equivalent to roughly 38°C in dry heat or 30°C in high humidity), matches should be postponed.

"The calculations are in line with FIFPRO's own findings from 2023," said Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge, FIFPRO's medical director. "These estimations justify the need for a series of mitigation strategies to better protect players' health and performance when they're exposed to hot conditions."

FIFA, for its part, says it's not taking this lightly. The governing body told Reuters it has carried out heat-risk planning, including three-minute hydration breaks in each half, cooling infrastructure for fans and players, adapted work-rest cycles, and enhanced medical readiness that scales according to real-time conditions. "FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff," the organization said in a statement.

But the concern goes beyond just the numbers. Dr. Chris Mullington, a consultant anaesthetist at Imperial College London, noted that extreme heat is more likely to influence how games are played—potentially slowing the pace and altering tactics. For a tournament that's already pushing the boundaries with 48 teams and three host nations, this adds a whole new layer of complexity.

As the countdown to 2026 continues, one thing is clear: staying cool won't just be about style—it'll be about survival. Whether you're a player on the pitch or a fan in the stands, preparing for the heat might be the most important game plan of all.