Football players from across the world have signed an open letter calling on FIFA to introduce heat safety guarantees before the 2026 World Cup, as health experts warn of dangerous temperatures.
In less than a month, players from across the world will be playing the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
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Over 39 days and 104 matches, 48 teams will train, play, and travel, sometimes under weather conditions that health experts have deemed dangerous for players' health.
Professional football players are calling on the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to introduce stronger protections against dangerous extreme temperatures during the men’s World Cup 2026.
In an open letter, players across the world warn that heat stress can cause reduced physical performance and increase risks to player health.
The signatories include players and former players representing clubs and national teams from Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Gibraltar, Grenada, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
“We find it important that all players are protected from heat impacts, from the grassroots to the elite level. As the elite playing the World Cup sets the example for players around the world, it’s essential that the best available medical expertise is put into practice,” the players wrote.
The letter comes after a report by World Weather Attribution (WWA) warned of “hazardous heat” that could put players' health and performance at risk.
The players said that they share the concerns outlined by the medical professionals and support their demand that FIFA update its heat-stress framework before the World Cup.
“Many of us have experienced heat impacting our sport. It can make you feel light-headed, dizzy, experience fatigue, muscle cramps, and worse. You can run less, and it becomes impossible to play with the same intensity as with more average temperatures,” the players wrote in the letter.
“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff. Climate-related risks are assessed as part of overall tournament planning and managed in close coordination with host cities, stadium authorities and national agencies," a FIFA spokesperson told Euronews Health.
During the men’s World Cup 2026, FIFA has introduced three-minute hydration breaks in each half of games.
The organisation announced that, unlike in other tournaments where these pauses were dictated by the temperatures, this time breaks will apply regardless of weather conditions, to ensure equal conditions for all teams, in all matches.
“In addition, teams may use up to five substitutions, an additional substitution in extra time, and a concussion substitution, and benefit from a minimum of three rest days between matches. There will be climate-controlled benches for technical staff and substitutes at all outdoor matches,” the spokesperson said.
According to FIFA, scheduling has also been developed with climate considerations in mind, balancing sporting, operational and broadcast requirements while minimising travel, maximising rest days and accounting for local climate profiles and venue infrastructure.
"Outdoor matches during the hottest parts of the day have been strategically limited, kick-off times adjusted in certain markets, and matches expected in warmer windows prioritised for covered stadiums where possible," the spokesperson added.
Around five games are expected to be played in 28°C heat, a level that the global union for professional football players, FIFPRO, considers to be unsafe, and postponement is advised. However, official FIFA regulations only consider postponement at levels above 32°C.
