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Rising Temperatures Present Challenges for Future Football Tournaments
The global average temperature has significantly increased since 1980, and 2024 marks a notable milestone as the first year to exceed the pre-industrial average by over 1.5°C. This alarming trend raises concerns for upcoming events, particularly in sports such as football, where extreme heat can impact both athletes and spectators.
The recent FIFA World Cup held in Qatar in 2022 exemplified the challenges posed by high temperatures. Originally scheduled for the traditional summer months of June and July—when daytime temperatures often surpass 40°C and can even reach 50°C in places like Doha—the tournament was instead held in November and December. This adjustment was made primarily for the health and safety of players and fans alike.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, there are indications that some matches could occur under conditions deemed unsafe. Reports suggest that certain games might take place in the range that exceeds recommendations set by various football governing bodies, which could lead to delays or postponements if the heat becomes unbearable. For instance, Football Australia’s heat policy dictates that matches should be postponed or delayed when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) hits 28°C.
FIFA does include some measures for managing heat stress, such as implementing mandatory cooling breaks within each half of the game. However, the decision to delay or postpone a match ultimately rests with the organizers, creating a potential gap in safety protocols.
The players’ union, Fifpro, has voiced concerns over the adequacy of FIFA’s measures, arguing that they fall short of protecting athletes’ health and performance. They recommend implementing cooling breaks whenever the WBGT ranges between 28°C and 32°C, and suggest rescheduling matches that would occur at temperatures exceeding 32°C.
The implications of competing in extreme heat are serious and varied. They can range from minor performance-related issues, such as sleep disturbances and changes in event scheduling, to severe health crises like heat exhaustion and other heat-related injuries. Furthermore, the risks are not confined to players; referees and spectators also face dangers. A recent incident during the Copa America highlighted this issue when Guatemalan assistant referee Humberto Panjoj collapsed on the field due to high temperatures, leading to his removal from the match.
Dr. Mullan has identified Miami and Monterrey as potential hotspots for heat-related challenges, particularly because their stadiums lack air conditioning. The report also advises against scheduling afternoon matches in cities such as Kansas City, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia to mitigate risks for everyone involved.
Even in the hottest cities set to host matches, like Dallas and Houston, the presence of air conditioning in stadiums does not completely eliminate danger. Dr. Mullan stresses that spectators who must exit the cooled environment into the sweltering heat could face health risks, alongside the players and officials on the field.
This critical research has been published in The International Journal of Biometeorology.
Source
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