As preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to commence in June across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, significant concerns have emerged regarding the safety of workers who will be integral to the tournament’s operations. With temperatures in several host cities projected to soar above 90°F, labour advocates warn that the potential for heat-related illnesses poses a serious threat to those working in high-risk conditions.
Escalating Heat Risks for Workers
The anticipated heatwave coincides with the tournament’s kickoff, raising alarming prospects for thousands of workers engaged in event logistics, security, and support services. Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, emphasised the urgent need for protective measures, stating, “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 tournament will unfold across various southern cities, including Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta, where temperatures during matches are expected to exceed 85°F, with some forecasts suggesting even higher readings. Historical data reveals that since the last North American World Cup in 1994, global temperatures have risen significantly, exacerbating health risks for outdoor workers.
The Deadly Nature of Heat Exposure
Heat is recognised as the most lethal form of extreme weather, and past World Cups have seen workers suffer severe health consequences, including fatalities due to heat stress. A recent study highlights that many participants in this year’s tournament could be exposed to conditions that surpass recommended heat-exposure limits, increasing their vulnerability to heat exhaustion and other related ailments.
Andrew Grundstein, a geographer and climatologist at the University of Georgia, noted, “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.” The study evaluated historical weather patterns alongside wet-bulb globe temperatures, which measure heat stress by accounting for temperature, humidity, and wind.
Mitigating Heat Risks: Are Measures Adequate?
To combat the anticipated heat, FIFA has scheduled many matches for late afternoon and evening slots, with the intention of avoiding the peak temperatures of the day. Moreover, venues will implement various cooling strategies, including shaded areas, misting systems, and extended water distribution. FIFA has also pledged to introduce work-rest schedules and station trained medical personnel at each match.
However, the effectiveness of these measures is contingent upon robust implementation, according to worker advocates. “I hope, we hope, that they are able to follow through on all that,” said Luisangel Rodriguez, spokesperson for SEIU Local 1, which represents some stadium staff in Kansas City. The concerns remain that even with these precautions, the potential risks may not be completely mitigated.
The Role of Legislation and Local Governance
Political climates in states hosting the World Cup further complicate worker safety initiatives. Florida and Texas, two states at the forefront of hosting matches, have enacted laws that prevent municipalities from imposing their own heat protection measures. Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, an immigrant rights organiser, pointed out the challenges in advocating for worker protections: “We have tried to pass ordinances that would have guaranteed protections to workers, including at the World Cup, but unfortunately this state has preempted a lot of that.”
Labour rights groups express ongoing concern about the absence of comprehensive federal regulations regarding heat safety. With only seven states having enforceable occupational heat safety standards, and only California and Washington hosting matches, the situation remains precarious. Jordan Barab, a former deputy assistant secretary of labour at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), voiced his concerns, stating, “Since there aren’t any federal regulations protecting workers against heat, workers are basically at the whim of their employers.”
Why it Matters
The implications of worker safety during the World Cup extend beyond the immediate health risks posed by extreme heat. The tournament represents a significant global event, and how worker welfare is managed could set a precedent for future large-scale events. The intersection of climate change, labour rights, and public safety is increasingly critical, and the outcomes of this tournament may influence not only the practices of FIFA but also broader policies regarding worker protections in high-risk environments. As the world watches, the treatment of workers during this monumental event will be a litmus test for the balance between commercial interests and human rights in the face of an escalating climate crisis.
