Which World Cup host cities face the highest risk from extreme heat?

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Monterrey, Miami, Kansas City, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia are identified as the highest-risk host cities for the 2026 World Cup due to extreme heat.

Six cities have been designated as "high-risk" for the 2026 World Cup due to concerns over extreme heat. These locations each recorded at least one day with a wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) exceeding 35C in 2025, a threshold considered the limit of human heat tolerance. This designation highlights potential challenges for player and spectator safety during the tournament.
Cities Identified as High-Risk

Monterrey, Miami, Kansas City, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia have been specifically named in a study published in the International Journal of Biometeorology as facing significant risks from extreme heat. The WBGT scale, which accounts for humidity, is used to assess these risks, with readings above 35C indicating conditions that challenge the body's ability to regulate temperature.
FIFA's Mandated Cooling Measures

In response to these concerns, FIFA has implemented mandatory cooling breaks during all matches of the 2026 World Cup. These breaks will occur in the 22nd and 67th minutes of play, irrespective of the prevailing weather conditions. This measure aims to mitigate the physiological impact of heat on players throughout the tournament.
Scheduling Strategies to Mitigate Heat

The scheduling of matches aims to reduce exposure to the most extreme temperatures. Daytime games are predominantly allocated to air-conditioned stadiums located in Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta. Conversely, venues identified as higher-risk for heat are scheduled to host evening kick-off times, thereby avoiding the peak heat of the day.
FIFPRO's Concerns and Recommendations

The FIFPRO players' union has expressed particular concern regarding several fixtures. They recommend postponing matches when WBGT readings surpass 28C and have flagged mid-afternoon group-stage matches in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, as well as the final in New York, as high-risk. This stance underscores the union's focus on player welfare in the face of escalating global temperatures.

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Which World Cup host cities face the highest risk from extreme heat?

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