The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to occur during peak summer heat across North America, with several host cities facing very high temperatures throughout the event. Games will take place in more than a dozen locations spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Venues in the southern United States, including Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Miami, face the greatest risk from sustained heat and humidity that can elevate the heat index and strain the body’s ability to cool itself.
A 2024 study reported by ABC News indicated that extreme heat may create serious challenges for players and fans at multiple sites during afternoon matches. Data from Climate Central showed that nearly every 2026 World Cup city now records substantially more very hot days in June and July than during the 1970 tournament, with such days roughly tripling in locations that hosted in 1986 or 1994.
The highest-risk sites include Monterrey in Mexico, Arlington in Texas, and Houston, where projected average hourly readings could surpass 49.5 degrees Celsius. Some stadiums in these areas have cooling systems, though coverage differs. Two fully enclosed venues provide complete air conditioning, while another offers only partial shade without full climate control. One open-air Mexican stadium leaves attendees fully exposed to outdoor conditions.
FIFA has announced record participation, with 1,248 players from 48 nations competing in the expanded tournament.
