The upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America faces significant health and safety concerns due to extreme summer heat. High-profile players, coaches, FIFPRO representatives, and climate experts are warning about the potential dangers of playing in such conditions. FIFA is under pressure to reconsider tournament logistics, particularly regarding kickoff times and host cities. Past instances, like the shift of the Qatar World Cup to cooler months, highlight the need for prioritizing player well-being over commercial interests in extreme heat scenarios during the tournament slated for June and July.
"We clearly believe that from a health and safety perspective, this [extreme heat] is something that must take priority over commercial interests with regards to the safety of the players."
"Heat conditions are not happening in a vacuum. The debate on extreme heat is not happening in a vacuum. It's actually quite foreseeable."
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