Heat to shape team performances at the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Scientists warn the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be shaped by extreme heat and volatile weather. According to L'Équipe, this edition is the first to be directly affected by climate change.

A study by Davide Faranda and Dimitri Defrance flags high-risk zones in Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas and Houston, plus Monterrey. Central venues could face storms, hail, unusual heat and tornadoes, while coastal sites may endure dangerous humidity, and Monterrey risks extreme heat.

World Weather Attribution estimates around a quarter of fixtures could exceed WBGT 28, roughly 38°C in dry air or 30°C in very humid conditions. France's 16 June opener near New York against Senegal is classed high risk.

Heat alters the game. Sébastien Racinais reports less high-intensity running, more low-intensity work, slower rhythms, longer possessions and more precise passing, so tactics built on repeated high-intensity pressing may not hold.

Physiologist Franck Brocherie says acclimation is a prerequisite alongside stresses from humidity, altitude, pollution and time zones. He advises about seven to 14 days or longer to improve sweating, temperature control and tolerance. The France squad plan to train at match times and use cooling scarves.

FIFA will mandate cooling breaks throughout the tournament. Basile Chaix warns exertional heatstroke becomes a threat at extreme WBGT, demands immediate cooling and can be fatal within 30 minutes. Some stadiums, including Dallas, Houston and Atlanta, will be air-conditioned, though abrupt shifts remain problematic. Spectators also face risk, with alcohol worsening dehydration.

Source: L'Équipe