Arabic version: تحديات الطقس القاسي المتوقعة لكأس العالم 2026

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, concerns about extreme weather conditions are increasing. The tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, could face challenges such as heat, thunderstorms, and poor air quality due to wildfires. According to BBC News, FIFA is taking steps to ensure player welfare by introducing mandatory three-minute cooling breaks during each half of every match.

The potential for extreme heat is significant, with average summer temperatures in many host cities reaching the low to mid-30s Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit). In some areas, temperatures can soar towards 40°C (104°F). The combination of high temperatures and humidity can lead to severe heat stress for players, with a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) of around 28°C (82°F) being a critical threshold for athlete safety.

Thunderstorms pose another major risk, particularly in cities like Miami, Houston, and Atlanta, where warm, humid conditions frequently trigger storms. If lightning is detected within 10 miles of a stadium, matches will be suspended for at least 30 minutes, potentially leading to significant delays.

Additionally, the early onset of the wildfire season in the U.S. has raised concerns about air quality. In 2023, large wildfires in Canada led to smoke spreading across much of North America, affecting cities thousands of miles away, including New York, where air quality reached hazardous levels, leading to disruptions in sporting events. There is currently no specific FIFA guideline for air quality thresholds, meaning decisions about play will rely on real-time assessments and public health advice.

For fans, the impact of extreme weather could manifest in various ways, including uncomfortable conditions in stadiums and fan zones, as well as potential delays or changes to match schedules. The time difference for viewers in the UK may also mean that weather-related interruptions could result in late-night viewing experiences.