With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, organizers are increasingly focused on the challenge posed by extreme heat, particularly in host cities such as Miami. The tournament, which will be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada during June and July, coincides with the peak of the North American summer, raising concerns about player safety, fan comfort and operational logistics.
According to AFP, FIFA anticipates high temperatures that could represent health risks for players, referees and spectators, while also creating complex organizational demands. Miami stands out due to its high humidity and persistent summer heat, conditions that can significantly amplify physical stress during matches.
A study published in the International Journal of Biometeorology identified Miami, along with Monterrey, Kansas City, Boston, New York and Philadelphia, as cities where extreme heat could pose serious health concerns during the World Cup. Researchers project that summer temperatures in these locations could exceed 35 degrees Celsius, increasing the likelihood of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
In response, FIFA and local organizers are exploring mitigation measures. At SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, more than a dozen industrial fans over two meters tall have been installed. These misting systems will be activated if temperatures exceed 26.7 degrees Celsius, as the stadium prepares to host eight World Cup matches.
The 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11 with the opening group-stage match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
As preparations intensify, FIFA faces mounting pressure to implement comprehensive heat-management strategies, especially in cities like Miami, where extreme weather may become one of the tournament’s defining challenges.
