The men's soccer World Cup starts next week in North America. There are 16 stadiums for the tournament. However, the weather is a big problem. Many matches have a high risk of dangerous heat and humidity. This is a problem for the players, the officials, and the staff.
There are 104 games in total. Data shows that 67 games are in places with high heat. 39 of these matches are at very high risk. Heat can be dangerous for people. For example, in June 2024, a referee fainted during a soccer match because of the heat.
Some cities are very hot. Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta are the most dangerous cities. In these places, temperatures can reach 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The stadium in Miami is very hot because it does not have air conditioning. This makes it hard for players to stay cool.
FIFA is using new ideas to keep people safe. They are moving many games to the evening when it is cooler. They are also giving players extra water breaks. On the sidelines, FIFA put air conditioning on the benches for the players. This helps them stay healthy.
Spectators can bring one bottle of water into the stadiums. This helps them stay hydrated too. The most important games, like the World Cup final, are also at risk. If the players are too hot, the games will be difficult. Organizers must work hard to protect everyone from the heat.