World Cup 2026 to implement strict rules for player health and safety

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Climate experts have confirmed that a significant number of World Cup games will be played in hot conditions. According to recent warnings, approximately one-quarter of the tournament’s matches are expected to take place in temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius. This has raised concerns among fans and players about the potential impact on athletic performance.

Last week, photographs of European players struggling to train in the heat sparked attention. Climate scientists have long cautioned that extreme heat can disrupt sporting events. The warnings were confirmed when several matches took place in hot conditions, with players using various methods to cool off.

The 2026 World Cup is expected to be one of the hottest on record due to rising global temperatures. According to weather presenter Everton Fox, around half a dozen venues are prone to extreme heat, including Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Mexican locations. The stadiums in these cities have air conditioning, but some matches will still take place without it.

According to World Weather Attribution, approximately 26 of the 104 matches could reach temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius. Of those, 17 will be played in stadiums with cooling systems, reducing risks for players and fans. However, more than a third of the games with a one-in-10 chance of exceeding 26C will take place without air conditioning.

Experts say that heat stress due to increased humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed will impact players running in direct sunlight. Physical performance coach Raiyan Abbasi explained that excessive sweating can lead to dehydration, cramps, and fatigue. However, he noted that elite athletes are trained to deal with such conditions.

Teams will have a performance coach and medical staff to ensure players are prepared for the tournament, including through acclimatization. Some countries whose players train in hotter climates may have an advantage when it comes to adjusting to high temperatures in the US.

Source: Al Jazeera