"Players and fans face a much higher risk of gruelling heat and humidity at the 2026 World Cup compared to the 1994 tournament on the same continent, said World Weather Attribution (WWA), a network of climate scientists. WWA's scientific analysis estimates that 26 of the 104 matches could be played where temperatures reach at least 26C in the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index. It measures how effectively the body can cool itself in heat, humidity, sun exposure and wind."
"At 26C WBGT, the international footballers' union FIFPRO recommends cooling breaks as heat strain becomes a real risk for players. Of those 26 matches, 17 will be played in stadiums with cooling systems, reducing risks for players and fans. During the 1994 World Cup hosted by the United States, 21 games would have been expected to reach a similar heat threshold, according to WWA."
"Five games are expected to be played in conditions of 28C WBGT or higher, a level that FIFPRO says should lead to the delay or postponement of matches until conditions are safer for players and fans. That risk has nearly doubled compared to the 1994 World Cup. It's dangerous for players, but of course there are also the fans who might gather outdoors, and they are at even more risk because they will not be taken care of by a lot of medical doctors."
"Overheating concerns had already prompted FIFA to mandate a cooling break during each half of World Cup matches. They will be played in 16 stadiums across the United States, Mexico and Canada from that will take place between June 11 to July 19. Scientists warn football's governing body that global warming has increased risk of extreme hit since 1994 US World Cup."
Global warming has raised the likelihood of extreme heat during the 2026 World Cup compared with the 1994 tournament in the same region. Climate scientists estimate that 26 of 104 matches could reach at least 26C on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which reflects heat strain from temperature, humidity, sun exposure, and wind. FIFA already requires cooling breaks during each half of matches. FIFPRO recommends cooling breaks at 26C WBGT and says matches at 28C WBGT or higher should be delayed or postponed. Five matches are expected to reach 28C WBGT or higher, nearly doubling the risk versus 1994. Cooling systems are expected in 17 of the 26 high-risk matches, reducing exposure for players and fans.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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