World Cup Players Say FIFA Heat Policies Fall Short Amid Climate Crisis Threat

"Current and former World Cup soccer players have penned an open letter to FIFA, urging the sports governing body to address the heat stress that is expected to be felt by competitors during this summer's games in North America and to take action to tackle the global climate crisis."

"A recent report from World Weather Attribution noted that "hazardous heat" could diminish players' play, and has the potential to put their health at risk. A report from health professionals on the expected heat also suggests that the situation will cause impaired performance, and could lead to fatal health outcomes if not properly addressed."

""When it comes to cooling breaks, it is clear that the 3-minute breaks that FIFA has adopted for all matches are too short to have a meaningful impact on rehydration and body cooling," an assessment from leading health experts pointed out, referencing the current model implemented by the international soccer organization."

"Citing those reports and their own personal experiences with heat exhaustion, dozens of current and former soccer players representing over 20 countries around the world called on FIFA to take the heat problem, created by the global climate crisis, more seriously."

Current and former World Cup soccer players sent an open letter to FIFA urging proactive steps to address heat stress and the global climate crisis. The 2026 World Cup will be held across Canada, the United States, and Mexico over 39 days, with 100 matches involving 48 teams. A World Weather Attribution report warns that hazardous heat can reduce players’ performance and endanger health. Health professionals also warn that expected heat could impair performance and lead to fatal outcomes without proper action. Players criticized FIFA’s current cooling-break model, saying the 3-minute breaks are too short to meaningfully cool bodies or support rehydration. They cited reports and personal experiences with heat exhaustion to call for stronger measures and climate-focused action.

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