The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has shifted attention beyond tactics, players and stadiums, with weather conditions emerging as another major factor that could influence the tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With summer conditions expected across the three host nations, concerns are growing over extreme heat, humidity, thunderstorms and poor air quality from wildfires.
Sporting Tribune looks at conditions that could affect matches, training schedules, transport and fan experience during the competition.
FIFA prepares for heat concerns
FIFA has already acknowledged the possible impact of high temperatures on players and officials. As part of measures introduced ahead of the tournament, mandatory three-minute cooling breaks will be observed in each half of every match.
The governing body had a preview of possible disruptions during the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, when six matches were affected by heat and thunderstorms.
One of the most notable incidents came during the clash between Chelsea and Benfica, which was delayed for almost two hours because of severe weather conditions.
Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, reacted after the game, saying the United States was “probably not the right place to do the competition”.
Host cities expectation
Several World Cup host cities are expected to experience temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius during the tournament period.
Cities such as Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Monterrey are particularly known for intense summer heat combined with high humidity levels.
Weather experts say humidity could become one of the biggest challenges because it makes it more difficult for the body to cool itself naturally. In some areas, conditions may feel significantly hotter than the actual temperature recorded on thermometers.
For example, a temperature of 32 degrees Celsius in Miami could feel closer to 43 degrees because of humidity levels. Scientists and sports medicine experts believe these conditions could increase physical stress on players during matches.
Heat stress could affect performance
Another major measure used to assess player safety is the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, commonly known as WBGT. The system measures heat stress by combining temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind conditions.
Experts consider a WBGT reading of 28 degrees Celsius as a level where elite athletes begin to experience serious physical stress. A study published in the International Journal of Biometeorology in 2025 found that 14 of the 16 World Cup host locations could exceed that figure during summer afternoons.
According to researchers, six cities, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Monterrey, Kansas City and Atlanta, could reach WBGT levels above 32 degrees Celsius, placing players under severe heat stress.
Match schedules adjustments
To limit exposure to extreme conditions, many fixtures have been scheduled for later in the day. Several matches are expected to kick off during the evening hours when temperatures are lower.
Scotland’s group-stage game against Brazil in Miami, for instance, has been scheduled for 18:00 local time. Organisers are also relying on stadium infrastructure to help manage conditions.
Some venues, including those in Houston and Dallas, have retractable roofs and climate-control systems that can reduce the impact of heat during games.
Still, experts warn that sudden heatwaves could push temperatures well beyond normal seasonal averages. In New York, where the World Cup final will take place on 19 July, forecasts suggest temperatures could rise into the mid-30s during a heatwave period.
Thunderstorms threat
Beyond the heat, thunderstorms may create the biggest risk of match disruption during the tournament.
Cities such as Miami, Houston and Atlanta regularly experience afternoon and evening storms during the summer months because of warm and humid conditions. Lightning detection protocols in the United States require matches to stop immediately if lightning is detected within 10 miles of a stadium.
Under current safety guidelines, play cannot resume until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike. That could lead to lengthy interruptions similar to those witnessed during recent sporting events in the country.
Earlier this year, organisers of the Miami Formula One Grand Prix moved the race forward by three hours because of the threat of thunderstorms around Hard Rock Stadium, one of the venues selected for the World Cup.
Wildfires and air quality concerns
Wildfires are also expected to be closely monitored throughout the tournament.
The 2026 wildfire season in the United States reportedly started earlier than usual, with authorities already recording above-average fire activity. Smoke from large wildfires has previously affected sporting events across North America.
In 2023, smoke from Canadian wildfires spread into several American cities, including New York, where air quality reached dangerous levels and forced cancellations of outdoor activities and sporting fixtures.
Unlike lightning delays, FIFA currently has no fixed air-quality threshold that automatically leads to the suspension of matches. Decisions will instead depend on real-time environmental readings and recommendations from local health authorities.
Fans could also face disruption
Supporters travelling across North America for the tournament may also experience the effects of extreme weather.
High temperatures could make conditions uncomfortable inside stadiums, fan parks and public viewing areas. Thunderstorms may force evacuations or delay entry into stadiums, while late finishes caused by weather stoppages could affect transport arrangements and hotel schedules.
Travel disruptions may become a major concern in cities already dealing with heavy traffic and high visitor numbers during the tournament period.
For supporters watching from Europe and other regions, weather-related delays could also extend broadcasts late into the night because of time differences.
Weather set to become part of tournament planning
As preparations continue ahead of kickoff, weather management is now becoming part of the wider planning around the 2026 World Cup.
Teams are expected to adjust training schedules, hydration routines and recovery programmes to cope with conditions, while organisers will continue monitoring forecasts across all host cities.
Although football remains the focus of the tournament, conditions off the pitch may play a significant role in shaping how the competition unfolds over the coming weeks.
