World Cup temperatures hit 35C as heat strains players’ bodies and minds | OneFootball

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, from Thursday several World Cup venues face highs up to 35C, with a possible north-west heatwave pushing temperatures beyond 32C. Stadiums exposed to extreme heat and without climate control could see play paused or postponed.

Experts say this is no anomaly and could shape performance and results. Carlos Revuelta, director of the High Performance master’s at Universidad Europea, says that above 28C the body prioritises sweating, causing electrolyte loss, reduced muscle power and earlier fatigue.

In normal conditions a player may produce up to 20 high-intensity efforts, but in extreme heat that can fall to about 14. As fatigue builds the game becomes disordered and technique wanes, with players from colder climates potentially worst affected.

Rubén Río, sports educator and director of RRSalud, highlights the cognitive toll, saying thermal stress quickly blunts clarity, slows decisions and raises errors such as misplaced passes and poor control.

Pre-tournament World Weather Attribution analysis suggested up to a quarter of fixtures could be played above 26C, with five near 30C and feels-like values close to 40C. Open venues without air conditioning, including Houston, Dallas and Miami, were flagged as higher risk for postponements.

There is no simple fix as climate change drives more frequent extremes. Acclimatisation, ice vests at intervals and mandatory cooling breaks are seen as essential, yet often only a sticking plaster. In some cases experts argue the wisest call would be not to play, and climate considerations must be central to major events.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo