World Cup 2026: Managing Intense Heat and Weather Challenges

The upcoming World Cup is set to experience high temperatures, with many matches occurring in conditions above 90F (32C). This edition might become the hottest since the 1994 tournament held in the U.S. At that time, most games occurred before 5 PM, often under an intense sun, leading to severe playing conditions. One vivid memory from that World Cup was Mexico’s 2-1 victory against Ireland in Orlando, where the field temperatures reached a scorching 117F.

Similar conditions are anticipated this year. Last year’s Club World Cup in the U.S. served as a preliminary test, revealing warmer temperatures compared to the last four World Cups. Only five of the stadiums from that event will host this World Cup, with matches also spread across Mexico and Canada. To get a clearer picture, a decade’s worth of hourly weather data for each match’s scheduled time, plus an hour either side, was analyzed over a seven-day period.

For example, data for the quarter-final in Kansas City on July 11 at 8 PM was examined from July 8 to July 14 over the past ten years. AT&T Stadium in Dallas is expected to have the highest temperatures, averaging 90F (32C), followed by Estadio BBVA in Monterrey. Dallas, along with Atlanta and Houston, will have closed roofs with air conditioning to manage these conditions.

Open-air venues, however, present more challenges. In the past decade, temperatures exceeded 100F at six of the 16 stadiums during game-week kickoff at least once. According to Aaron Mentkowski, chief meteorologist for WKBW-TV Buffalo, pitch-level temperatures are exacerbated by light winds and direct sunshine. He notes that the open field absorbs heat while stadium structures block wind, preventing relief from the heat.

The Athletic collaborates with Mentkowski as their World Cup weather expert, delivering daily forecasts and insights throughout the event. The extreme heat will impact performance, as it did in 1994 when Germany’s Jurgen Klinsmann spoke about the difficulty of maintaining rhythm in such conditions.

Teams are taking proactive steps to acclimate. Norway’s players, for instance, were seen sunbathing during a training session in North Carolina, where temperatures matched their match conditions at around 90F. Although raised in cooler climates, Mentkowski suggests these players can adapt within a week or two.

While heat and humidity will influence match dynamics, thunderstorms may pose more logistical issues. Under U.S. thunderstorm protocols, matches halt if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium, with resumption delayed by potential storms. Last year’s Club World Cup game between Chelsea and Benfica faced over four hours of lightning delays.

Mentkowski predicts that Miami and Mexico City will experience frequent storms, while Kansas City’s storm risk depends on atmospheric conditions. Cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and New York will also face increased heat, humidity, and occasional storms. Such interruptions can disrupt a team’s focus and tactical preparations. Adapting to weather conditions may be as crucial to World Cup success as player skills, team unity, or tactics.