Experts warn fans and players face 'danger levels' of heat and humidity at World Cup

Players and fans will be exposed to hazardous heat and humidity at the World Cup , experts warned today. World Weather Attribution (WWA) says its analysis shows climate change has spiked the temperature risks for players and fans, compared to the last US-hosted World Cup in 1994. Global players' union FIFPRO is also calling for protective measures ahead of this summer's tournament in the US, Mexico, and Canada. The meteorological and climate network said that about 25% of all 104 games are likely to be played when conditions exceed 26°C (78.8°F) on the wet bulb global temperature (WBGT) system. It measures how heat impacts body's ability to cool itself. When temperatures exceed that benchmark, FIFPRO advises implementing safety measures such as cooling. Games at risk of being played above the benchmark include the tournament final, hosted in New York and New Jersey on 19 July, as well as two quarter-finals and third-place play-off. WWA added that around five games are expected to occur when the WBGT is above 28C (82.4F), a level that FIFPRO considers unsafe for play and advises postponement. A WBGT above 28°C is equivalent to about 38°C (100.4°F) in dry heat, or 30°C (86°F) in high humidity. Dr Vincent Gouttebarge, FIFPRO medical director, said that WWA's calculations "are in line with FIFPRO's calculations published in 2023", and added: "These estimations justify the need for, and implementation of, a series of mitigation strategies to better protect players' health and performance when they are exposed to hot conditions." Dr Friederike Otto, professor of climate science at Imperial College London and part of WWA, said that the findings show "climate change is having a real and measurable impact on the viability of holding World Cups during the northern hemisphere summer". He added: "The 1994 World Cup may not feel particularly distant to many adults today, yet half of human-induced climate change has happened since then. "That the World Cup Final itself - one of the biggest sporting occasions on the planet - faces a non-insignificant risk of being played in 'cancellation-level' heat should be a wake-up call for FIFA and fans. It highlights the urgent need to realise that there is no aspect of society not affected by climate change." The warnings come after last year's Club World Cup drew complaints from players and managers as matches took place in extreme heat. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez said he felt "really dizzy" while playing in "very dangerous" heat at the tournament. England manager Thomas Tuchel has said he may have his substitutes stay in the dressing room during matches because of high temperatures. The letter has been signed by 20 world-leading scientists. The 20 experts who have signed the letter include leading academics from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Europe. They want Fifa to urgently overhaul its approach, including: delaying or postponing matches above 28C WBGT; longer cooling breaks of at least six minutes; improved cooling facilities for players; and regular updates to guidelines based on the latest science. Fifa declined to comment directly on the letter or the scientists' claims, but said it would use a "tiered heat mitigation model" at the tournament, with measures adapted to real-time conditions. A spokesperson said there would be dedicated meteorological support throughout the competition, both centrally and across host cities, with WBGT and heat index monitoring informing decision-making. They added that scheduling had been designed with climate in mind, with kick-off times adjusted, matches during the hottest periods limited where possible, and warmer fixtures prioritised for covered stadiums. The schedule, Fifa said, also aims to minimise travel and maximise rest days based on location-specific heat risk assessments. Fifa said it would continue to monitor conditions in real time and apply contingency measures where necessary, adding it is working with host authorities and medical experts to ensure a "safe and resilient" tournament. Last week the Mirror told how England's World Cup stars will face intense humidity and a freak weather phenomenon known as 'corn sweat' at their US HQ. Their Kansas City base has average highs reaching 30-32C (87°F–90°F). "Corn sweat" refers to the intense humidity caused by corn plants releasing massive amounts of water vapour into the air during summer days in the area. The process, known as evapotranspiration, can make heat waves feel significantly hotter, pushing dew points into the 70s and making outdoor work dangerous in July. Corn plants draw water from the soil and release it through pores in their leaves to stay cool, similar to human sweat. England chose the location in the central US state to reduce travel time and prepare for a potential trip to Mexico City in the later rounds of the tournament.