See which World Cup matches are most threatened by hot weather : NPR

Key Points:

• The 2026 men's soccer World Cup in North America faces significant heat risks, with over one-third of matches potentially occurring under dangerously hot and humid conditions, according to an NPR analysis using two decades of temperature data and heat hazard guidelines.
• High-profile matches, including the World Cup final and the third-place game, are scheduled at times and locations with high heat risk, notably in cities like Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta, some of which lack sufficient cooling infrastructure.
• FIFA has implemented measures such as scheduling many games during cooler hours, adding water breaks, and installing sideline air conditioning, but has not fully addressed concerns about why some matches remain scheduled during peak heat times or detailed protections for workers and spectators.
• Heat illness risks extend beyond players and referees to include fans and thousands of workers, with past incidents highlighting the dangers; experts warn that climate change exacerbates these risks by increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves.
• Evening scheduling reduces heat risk, but the World Cup final is set for 3 p.m. in an uncovered stadium near New York City, likely due to global broadcast considerations, raising concerns about player and spectator safety during the hottest part of the day.