World Cup 2026: American heat is already putting some teams to the test

World Cup 2026 Today at 14:16

Nouya M'toama

News Editor

With less than a week to go before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, early concerns about the weather conditions in the United States are already being confirmed. Several teams, especially from Europe, are struggling to adapt to the intense heat and humidity that characterize many of the tournament’s host cities.

The first warning sign came from the Norwegian camp. During their first training session on American soil, the Scandinavian squad was forced to cut their workout short due to heat that was deemed almost unbearable.

Accustomed to much cooler temperatures, the Scandinavians are discovering climate conditions radically different from those they are used to in Europe. England’s players also faced adaptation issues during Friday’s training session.

This situation is fueling concerns that have been voiced for months by sports medicine experts and fitness coaches. The high temperatures and humidity represent an added challenge for the European teams competing in the tournament.

An advantage for teams from warmer regions?

While all squads will face the same playing conditions, some seem better equipped to handle them. Teams from Africa, Latin America, and Asia often have much more experience dealing with extreme heat, due to the climate in their home countries.

This familiarity with high temperatures could prove to be a significant advantage in a tournament where physical endurance and recovery will be decisive factors.

Worrying climate indicators

The concerns aren’t based solely on the players’ impressions. Several recent studies highlight the risks associated with extreme heat and humidity in a number of cities set to host World Cup matches.

Experts are focusing in particular on the WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) index, a measure of heat stress that takes into account air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind. When this level exceeds 28°C, it is considered potentially dangerous for athletes’ health.

According to a Financial Times analysis, several host cities like Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta regularly record WBGT levels above the thresholds recommended by experts.

In Houston, this index has exceeded 30°C for nearly three-quarters of the days in June and July over the past decade. Dallas has crossed this threshold about every other day, while Miami and Atlanta have surpassed it during roughly a quarter of the observed days.

As the 2026 World Cup is set to be the biggest in history with 48 teams competing, managing the weather conditions is already emerging as one of the event’s main challenges.