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As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, concerns are mounting around the potential health risks posed to workers amidst a forecast of sweltering heat. With several host cities, particularly in the southern United States, expected to experience temperatures exceeding 90°F (32°C), advocates are calling for urgent protective measures to ensure the safety of those involved in this monumental event.
Escalating Heat Concerns
The World Cup, which will unfold across 16 host cities—including 11 in the U.S.—is set against a backdrop of rising global temperatures. Historical data indicates that since the last time the tournament was hosted in North America, average temperatures have risen by over 1°F (0.56°C). This increase poses significant risks, particularly as workers across various sectors prepare for the challenges of extreme heat.
Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, warns, “It’s going to be extremely hot, and you just cannot leave people unprotected or you’re going to deal with a lot of injuries. Or, God forbid, something even worse.” The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that heat is the deadliest form of extreme weather, historically leading to illnesses and fatalities among workers at previous tournaments.
The Workers at Risk
A recent study has revealed that thousands of individuals, from vendors to emergency responders, will be labouring under conditions that exceed recommended heat-exposure limits. Andrew Grundstein, a geographer and climatologist from the University of Georgia, emphasises the wide-reaching implications of this heat. “If you think about the delivery people, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, people selling concessions or collecting tickets, a whole network of people are going to face heat-related hazards,” he states.
Cities like Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta are particularly vulnerable, with predicted temperatures soaring during match hours. Yet even cooler locations are not immune to the threat, as unusual heat events may occur. The study highlights that working conditions, including inadequate air conditioning in certain stadiums, can exacerbate these risks, placing those performing physical labour or working in direct sunlight at heightened danger.
Implementing Protective Measures
In light of these alarming forecasts, experts are advocating for immediate action. Jordan Barab, a former deputy assistant secretary of labour at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), insists that protective measures such as mandated breaks, access to shade, and ample hydration are essential. “We’ve known for decades how to protect workers against heat-related illness,” Barab asserts. “It’s not that hard, it’s not that expensive, but there are far too many employers who are still neglecting those precautions.”
While FIFA does not directly control employment conditions—which are determined by local organisers and contractors—it can influence safety through host-city agreements and operational standards. Margaret Morrissey-Basler, a senior adviser at the University of Connecticut’s Korey Stringer Institute, points out that city governments and local organisations must also play a critical role in safeguarding worker health.
FIFA has committed to addressing climate-related risks by scheduling matches for late afternoon or evening and implementing cooling measures at venues, including shaded areas and misting systems. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on rigorous enforcement and adherence to safety protocols.
The Reality of Temporary Workers
Despite the measures proposed, labour advocates express legitimate concerns about the potential ineffectiveness of FIFA’s initiatives. Heat exposure remains a critical issue, particularly for temporary workers who may be less familiar with the local climate. Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, an immigrant rights organiser in Miami, cautions that even evening matches may expose workers to dangerously high temperatures. “Even if the games start after 6pm or after 7pm, here in Miami it can still be dangerously hot during that time,” she notes.
Many World Cup staff will be temporary contractors, and their lack of acclimatisation to the heat further compounds the issue. Grundstein explains that those who have recently relocated from cooler climates may not have had the chance for their bodies to adjust, leaving them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Furthermore, temporary workers may be less likely to voice concerns about unsafe conditions.
The Political Landscape
Compounding these challenges are legislative barriers in states like Florida and Texas, where laws prevent local municipalities from enforcing heat protection mandates. Mendez-Zamora highlights the difficulty of securing adequate worker protections in such an environment. “That gives you some idea of how hard it can be to make sure good working conditions are in place,” she states.
Currently, only a handful of states have enforceable occupational heat safety standards, and only California and Washington—both hosting World Cup matches—provide robust protections. The absence of comprehensive federal regulations leaves many workers vulnerable to the whims of their employers, as Barab explains.
Why it Matters
As the World Cup approaches, the stakes for workers are alarmingly high. The potential for heat-related illnesses and injuries cannot be ignored, especially in a climate that is becoming increasingly inhospitable. It is imperative that all stakeholders, from FIFA to local organisers, prioritise worker safety and well-being. The success of the tournament hinges not only on the thrilling matches but also on the health and safety of those who make it possible. Without decisive action and accountability, a celebration of sport could turn into a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic change in worker protections against the relentless forces of climate change.
