As the highly anticipated World Cup 2026 draws near, concerns are mounting about the health and safety of workers involved in the event. With forecasts predicting soaring temperatures across several host cities in the United States, experts warn that inadequate protections could expose thousands of individuals to severe heat-related health risks. Labour advocates are calling for immediate action to ensure the well-being of those who make this global tournament possible.
Rising Temperatures and Worker Vulnerability
The World Cup is set to take place in 16 host cities, with 11 located in the United States, including southern hotspots like Miami, Dallas, and Atlanta. As the tournament approaches, predictions indicate that game-day temperatures could reach as high as 90°F (32°C), exacerbating concerns surrounding worker safety. Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, emphasised the urgency of the situation, 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.”
In light of climate change, which has seen the planet warm by over 1°F since the last World Cup held in North America, the risk to workers is particularly pronounced. Historical data indicates that heat is the deadliest form of extreme weather, and previous World Cup events have seen workers suffer from heat-related illnesses, with some even succumbing to its effects.
The Scope of the Issue
A newly released study highlights the extensive network of personnel who will be at risk during the tournament. From delivery workers and law enforcement to concession vendors and stadium staff, countless individuals will face hazardous working conditions. Andrew Grundstein, a geographer and climatologist at the University of Georgia, pointed out that those engaged in physically demanding tasks or working long hours under the sun are especially vulnerable. “A whole network of people are going to face heat-related hazards,” he noted.
The study further identified southern cities as hotspots for heat exposure, while cautioning that even venues in traditionally cooler areas may experience unseasonably high temperatures. Conditions within stadiums without air conditioning, such as those in Miami and Kansas City, could prove particularly perilous.
Proposed Safeguards and Their Implementation
To mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat, experts advocate for mandatory breaks, access to hydration, and shaded areas for workers. Jordan Barab, a former deputy assistant secretary of labour at OSHA, stressed that while the methods to protect workers are well-known, many employers continue to neglect these essential precautions. “We’ve known for decades, if not centuries, how to protect workers against heat-related illness and death,” he stated.
FIFA maintains that it is committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals involved in the tournament. A spokesperson outlined that the organisation has taken steps to minimise heat exposure by scheduling matches for the cooler late afternoon and evening hours, while also implementing cooling measures like shaded zones and misting systems.
However, the effectiveness of these measures will largely hinge on their execution. Advocates remain sceptical, with concerns about whether the promised protections will be adequately enforced. Luisangel Rodriguez, a spokesperson for SEIU Local 1, expressed cautious optimism but emphasised the need for vigilance: “Let’s see if they follow through on all that.”
Ongoing Risks and Legislative Challenges
Despite FIFA’s assurances, labour activists fear that the measures in place may still fall short. Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, an immigrant rights organiser in Miami, pointed out that even evening matches could leave workers exposed to dangerously high temperatures. The reality is that many stadium workers begin their shifts hours before the games, often during the hottest times of the day.
Moreover, the reliance on temporary contract workers, who may not be acclimatised to local heat, raises additional safety concerns. Grundstein highlighted that individuals moving from cooler climates might not have the physiological adaptations necessary to cope with extreme temperatures, putting them at greater risk.
Political conditions may further complicate efforts to safeguard workers. States like Florida and Texas have enacted laws that prevent local municipalities from enforcing heat protection regulations, leaving workers vulnerable. “We have tried to pass ordinances that would have guaranteed protections to workers… but unfortunately this state has preempted a lot of that,” Mendez-Zamora lamented.
Why it Matters
The World Cup is not merely a sporting event; it is a global spectacle that profoundly impacts the lives of countless individuals. The potential for heat-related illnesses among workers during the tournament underscores the urgent need for robust protections and proactive measures. As climate change continues to reshape weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme heat events, the responsibility lies with FIFA, local organisers, and governments to prioritise worker safety. Failing to do so could result in tragic consequences, overshadowing the vibrant celebration of sport that the World Cup is meant to embody.
