As the World Cup 2026 approaches, anxiety mounts over the health and safety of workers tasked with supporting the massive event. With temperatures predicted to soar above 90°F (32°C) in several host cities, advocates warn that these conditions could lead to serious heat-related illnesses for those on the ground.
Dangerous Heat Forecasted for Host Cities
The tournament will be hosted across 16 cities, including 11 in the United States, with hot southern locales such as Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta expected to bear the brunt of the sweltering heat. Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, articulated the gravity 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.”
Experts indicate that the upcoming tournament could be the hottest since its inception in 1930, with many workers likely to toil under conditions that exceed recommended heat exposure limits. A recent study highlights that countless individuals involved in the event—from delivery personnel and security staff to concession vendors—face increased risks of heat exhaustion and related health issues.
Assessing the Risks: Who is Vulnerable?
Research has shown that southern host cities present the most significant risks, though even those in cooler areas should brace for unusually high temperatures. The study, led by Andrew Grundstein, a geographer and climatologist at the University of Georgia, emphasises that various factors—including humidity, temperature, and wind speed—will exacerbate heat stress.
Stadiums lacking air conditioning, including those in Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Kansas City, may pose additional dangers. Workers engaging in physically demanding roles, such as construction or field maintenance, or those wearing heavy costumes, are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Proposed Protections and Their Implementation
To mitigate these risks, experts advocate for measures such as mandated breaks, access to shade, and continuous hydration. Jordan Barab, a former deputy assistant secretary of labour at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), stated, “We’ve known for decades, if not centuries, how to protect workers against heat-related illness and death. 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 dictate employment conditions, there is an expectation that it will promote safety standards through agreements with host cities and contractors. FIFA has pledged to implement measures including work-rest schedules, dedicated medical personnel at matches, and a taskforce of heat experts monitoring conditions. However, the efficacy of these strategies will largely depend on their execution.
Luisangel Rodriguez, spokesperson for SEIU Local 1, which represents some stadium staff in Kansas City, expressed cautious optimism: “I hope, we hope, that they are able to follow through on all that. Let’s see.”
The Reality of Unionised and Temporary Workers
The landscape of worker protection varies widely across different roles. Unionised workers often enjoy stronger protections; for example, SEIU Local 1 has negotiated access to water, cooling towels, and fans during extreme heat. However, many World Cup jobs will rely on temporary workers who may lack such safeguards or may be less inclined to speak out against unsafe conditions.
Moreover, the risks are compounded by the fact that many temporary workers will be new to the region and unaccustomed to the local climate. Grundstein noted, “When you live in a hot area, your body adjusts to it. But when people just move here from a cooler area, your body hasn’t adjusted yet, which can make you more vulnerable.”
Political Challenges to Worker Safety
Compounding these issues are state laws in Florida and Texas that prevent local municipalities from enacting heat protection regulations. Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, an immigrant rights organiser in Miami, lamented, “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.”
Currently, only seven U.S. states have enforceable occupational heat safety standards, with California and Washington being the only ones hosting World Cup matches. In the absence of robust federal regulations, many workers find themselves at the mercy of their employers regarding heat safety.
Ongoing Monitoring and Advocacy
As the tournament unfolds, labour rights groups are gearing up to monitor working conditions closely. Alingu stated, “We’re now in a mode of needing to observe and report what’s happening. We can’t be oblivious to the unsafe conditions and we can’t just assume things are going to be fine… not in this kind of weather.”
Why it Matters
The wellbeing of workers during the World Cup is a critical issue that reflects broader concerns about labour rights and safety in extreme weather. With climate change intensifying global temperatures, ensuring the health and protection of those who make such monumental events possible is paramount. The outcomes of this tournament could set a precedent for how major sporting events address worker safety in the face of rising heat, impacting not only the current workforce but also shaping future standards and protections.
