As the World Cup approaches, concerns about the health and safety of workers supporting the tournament have intensified. With temperatures expected to soar above 30°C (86°F) in several host cities, labour advocates are sounding the alarm over the potential for severe heat-related health risks for those involved in the event.
A Scorching Challenge
The FIFA World Cup, set to unfold across 16 cities—11 of which are in the United States—could be plagued by extreme heat, particularly in southern locales such as Miami, Houston, and Atlanta. Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, has warned that without adequate protections, the consequences could be dire. “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,” he cautioned.
Historical data shows a worrying trend: the planet has warmed by over 1°F since the last North American World Cup, and experts are concerned that this year could see the hottest tournament yet since its inception in 1930. Thousands of workers, from concession vendors to law enforcement and emergency responders, will likely be labouring under conditions that exceed established heat exposure limits, raising the spectre of heat exhaustion and other serious illnesses.
The Risks of Extreme Heat
A recent study highlights the precarious situation facing World Cup workers. Researchers assessed past weather patterns and established that the southern host cities pose the greatest risk for heat-related health issues. “If you think about the delivery people, the law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, people selling concessions or collecting tickets, a whole network of people are going to face heat-related hazards,” explained Andrew Grundstein, a climatologist at the University of Georgia and lead author of the study.
Indeed, stadiums lacking air conditioning—including venues in Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Kansas City—may pose heightened dangers. Those engaged in strenuous physical labour or dressed in heat-retaining costumes will find themselves particularly vulnerable, as will security personnel stationed in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Necessary Protections in Place?
To mitigate these risks, experts are advocating for essential measures such as mandatory breaks, access to water, and shaded areas. Jordan Barab, a former deputy assistant secretary of labour at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), emphasized that the tools to protect workers from heat-related illness and death have been known for decades. “It’s not that hard, it’s not that expensive,” he stated. Yet many employers continue to neglect these critical precautions.
While FIFA does not directly govern employment conditions—which fall under the jurisdiction of local organisers, stadium authorities, and contractors—it can leverage host-city agreements and operational requirements to promote safety. Margaret Morrissey-Basler, a senior adviser on occupational safety at the University of Connecticut, underscored the need for city governments and organisations to ensure these protections are firmly established.
In response to concerns, FIFA has stated it is committed to safeguarding the health and safety of all involved in the tournament. Measures include scheduling matches for later in the day to avoid the worst heat, deploying misting systems and shaded areas at venues, and ensuring medical personnel are stationed at every match.
Ongoing Concerns Amid Incomplete Protections
Despite these assurances, labour activists remain sceptical about the sufficiency of FIFA’s protective measures. Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, an immigrant rights organiser in Miami, pointed out that even evening matches can expose workers to dangerous heat, especially for those starting their shifts during the hottest parts of the day.
“Even if the games start after 6pm or after 7pm, here in Miami it can still be dangerously hot during that time,” she remarked. The issue is exacerbated for temporary workers—many of whom may not be acclimatised to the local climate—making them more susceptible to heat stress.
Furthermore, political climates in states like Florida and Texas, which will host matches, complicate efforts to implement heat protections. Both states have enacted laws that prohibit local governments from mandating such safeguards, creating an environment where workers are left vulnerable to extreme conditions.
Why it Matters
The unfolding situation surrounding World Cup workers in the face of extreme heat serves as a stark reminder of the broader implications of climate change on labour rights and public health. As temperatures continue to rise, the need for robust protections becomes increasingly urgent. The World Cup is not just a celebration of sport; it is also a critical moment that exposes the vulnerabilities of those who make such grand events possible. Ensuring their safety is not merely a moral imperative—it is essential for the integrity of the tournament itself. If we fail to protect the most vulnerable among us, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past, where profit is prioritised over the well-being of workers.
