Less than a month before the 2026 men's World Cup kicks off across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, professional footballers from Europe and beyond are demanding stronger protections against extreme heat. In an open letter addressed to FIFA, players warn that heat stress can impair physical performance and pose serious health risks, urging the governing body to update its safety framework before the tournament begins.
The signatories include current and former players representing clubs and national teams from Albania, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Gibraltar, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as nations outside Europe such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, Kenya, and the United States. The letter reflects growing concern that the 48-team, 104-match tournament—spanning 39 days—will expose athletes to conditions that health experts deem dangerous.
Health Experts Warn of Hazardous Heat
The call follows a report by World Weather Attribution (WWA), which warned of “hazardous heat” that could compromise player health and performance. The players echoed these findings, stating that they “share the concerns outlined by the medical professionals” and support demands for FIFA to revise its heat-stress protocols. “Many of us have experienced heat impacting our sport,” the letter reads. “It can make you feel light-headed, dizzy, experience fatigue, muscle cramps, and worse. You can run less, and it becomes impossible to play with the same intensity as with more average temperatures.”
FIFA has responded by noting its commitment to player safety. A spokesperson told Euronews Health that “climate-related risks are assessed as part of overall tournament planning and managed in close coordination with host cities, stadium authorities, and national agencies.” The organisation has introduced mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in each half of every match, regardless of weather conditions—a departure from previous tournaments where such pauses were temperature-dependent. Teams will also be allowed up to five substitutions, an additional substitution in extra time, and a concussion substitution, with a minimum of three rest days between matches. Climate-controlled benches for technical staff and substitutes will be provided at all outdoor venues.
FIFA added that scheduling has been designed with climate considerations in mind, balancing sporting, operational, and broadcast requirements while minimising travel and maximising rest days. “Outdoor matches during the hottest parts of the day have been strategically limited, kick-off times adjusted in certain markets, and matches expected in warmer windows prioritised for covered stadiums where possible,” the spokesperson said.
However, players argue that these measures are insufficient. The open letter insists that “the best available medical expertise is put into practice” at the elite level, setting an example for grassroots football worldwide. The debate comes amid broader discussions about climate adaptation in European sport, as heatwaves become more frequent across the continent.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, with matches spread across three countries. While FIFA has taken steps to mitigate heat risks, the players’ letter underscores a growing tension between tournament expansion and athlete welfare. As the sport’s global governing body, FIFA faces pressure to ensure that safety standards keep pace with the demands of a hotter world.
