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As the excitement for the World Cup 2026 builds, so too does concern over the health and safety of the workers making the tournament possible. With temperatures in several host cities projected to soar above 90°F (32°C), labour advocates are sounding the alarm about the potential for heat-related illnesses among those employed during this global sporting event.
The Heat is On: A Perfect Storm for Workers
Scheduled to take place in 16 cities across the United States, including warm-weather hubs like Miami, Houston, and Dallas, the World Cup is set against a backdrop of climate change that has already raised global temperatures by over 1°F since the last tournament was held in North America. Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, cautions, “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 risk of extreme heat is particularly ominous given that heat is recognised as the deadliest form of extreme weather. Previous World Cups have seen workers suffer immensely, and this year’s event is anticipated to be the hottest since the inaugural tournament in 1930.
Vulnerable Workers: A Broad Spectrum of Risks
A recent study indicates that thousands of workers could find themselves toiling in conditions that exceed recommended heat exposure limits, raising the likelihood of heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. Andrew Grundstein, a geographer and climatologist at the University of Georgia, points to the vast array of individuals impacted: “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 potential for harm is amplified in southern cities, where humidity and soaring temperatures conspire to create dangerous working conditions. Stadiums lacking air conditioning, particularly in Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Kansas City, could exacerbate the situation. Jobs that require heavy lifting, physical exertion, or prolonged exposure to sunlight make workers even more susceptible to heat-related injuries.
Protective Measures: A Call for Action
While FIFA does not directly manage employment conditions, it holds a significant influence over safety protocols through host-city agreements and venue-operating requirements. Experts argue that proactive measures, such as mandated breaks, access to water and shaded areas, can mitigate heat-related risks. Jordan Barab, a former deputy assistant secretary of labour at OSHA, emphasises, “We’ve known for decades how to protect workers against heat-related illness and death. It’s not that hard, it’s not that expensive.”
Despite assurances from FIFA that it is committed to worker safety, the effectiveness of their measures will ultimately rely on implementation. The organisation has made some strides, scheduling matches for cooler late afternoon or evening slots and deploying cooling systems. However, the real-world application of these protections is under scrutiny, with labour advocates expressing skepticism.
Luisangel Rodriguez from SEIU Local 1, which represents some stadium staff in Kansas City, remarks, “I hope, we hope, that they are able to follow through on all that. Let’s see.”
The Challenge Ahead: Political and Legislative Hurdles
Unfortunately, the landscape is further complicated by political considerations. States like Florida and Texas, which will host matches, have enacted laws that prevent local governments from enforcing heat protections for workers. Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, an immigrant rights organiser in Miami, underscores the challenges, stating, “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.”
With only seven states having enforceable occupational heat safety standards, and only California and Washington hosting matches, the lack of federal regulation leaves workers vulnerable. Barab warns that without robust oversight from OSHA, employers may neglect their duty to protect employees from the scorching heat.
Why it Matters
The upcoming World Cup is not merely a celebration of sport; it is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive worker protections in an era of climate change. As temperatures rise, the risks to workers multiply, exposing them to potentially fatal conditions. This situation demands immediate attention not only from FIFA and local organisers but also from broader societal and political structures. Protecting the health and safety of those who bring this global event to life should be a priority, as their wellbeing ultimately reflects our collective responsibility to ensure justice and fairness in the face of climate change.