Weathering Extremes at the World Cup as High Heat and Torrential Rain Hit Games
Key takeaways
- At least two games so far—in Miami and Monterrey, Mexico—were played amid what experts say are unsafe wet-bulb temperatures of 82 degrees or above, according to an analysis from the Guardian.
- In response to heat risks, FIFA, the World Cup governing body, implemented mandatory hydration breaks midway through each half to prevent heat-related illness among players, regardless of temperatures in each city.
- The United States last hosted the men’s FIFA World Cup in 1994, which was largely regarded as one of the most heat-stressed tournaments in history.
Why this matters: environmental and climate reporting with long-term consequences.
June 23, 2026 Share This Article Republish Soccer player Manu Kone of France competed during a storm at a June World Cup match in Philadelphia. Credit: Abdulhamid Hosbas/Anadolu via Getty Images Related ‘Sponge Cities’ Are Catching On. But Can They Handle Supercharged Storms? Heat Is Killing Wildlife Across the Animal Kingdom. A New Forecasting Tool May Help. Heat Is a Growing Threat to the Hajj—Even in Spring Share This Article Republish Most Popular Trump Administration Abandons Fight Against Wind Energy as Clean Energy Output Surges As Global Warming Threatens Corals Worldwide, Woods Hole Scientists Search for ‘Super Reefs’ That Can Take the Heat Federal Regulators Tell Electric Grid Operators to Fix Their Rules on Data Centers The World Cup is well underway across North America, where millions have traveled from around the world in recent weeks to watch their favorite soccer teams hit the pitch. This year’s matches could break records—but maybe not the ones fans are hoping for.
At least two games so far—in Miami and Monterrey, Mexico—were played amid what experts say are unsafe wet-bulb temperatures of 82 degrees or above, according to an analysis from the Guardian. And separate scientific reports suggest this year’s tournament could be one of the hottest ever by mid-July. Another weather-related record was already broken during Monday’s match in Philadelphia, as torrential rain and lightning forced a 131-minute delay—the longest in World Cup history.
In response to heat risks, FIFA, the World Cup governing body, implemented mandatory hydration breaks midway through each half to prevent heat-related illness among players, regardless of temperatures in each city. But critics question whether these breaks are enough—or if financial incentives played a larger part in the decision than health concerns.