As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, concerns are mounting regarding the well-being of the workforce supporting the tournament. With temperatures expected to exceed 90°F (32°C) in various host cities, labour advocates are sounding the alarm about the potential health hazards faced by those involved in the event. The implications of extreme heat, particularly in southern states, could pose significant challenges for both workers and organisers.
Rising Temperatures and Worker Vulnerability
The World Cup is set to unfold across 16 cities, with 11 located in the United States, including Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta—regions notorious for their sweltering summer conditions. Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, emphasised the urgency of implementing protective measures for workers. He stated, “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 World Cup comes at a time when the US is grappling with above-average temperatures, exacerbated by climate change. Since the last tournament was held in North America, global temperatures have risen by over 1°F (0.56°C), and experts predict this year’s event may become the hottest since its inception in 1930.
Health Hazards and Historical Context
Research indicates that thousands of individuals working at the World Cup will likely be subjected to conditions that surpass recommended heat exposure limits. This raises the spectre of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Andrew Grundstein, a geographer and climatologist from the University of Georgia, noted the extensive network of workers involved, from delivery personnel and law enforcement to concession vendors and ticket collectors, all of whom may face heat-related dangers.
The study conducted by Grundstein and colleagues assessed historical weather patterns and introduced the wet-bulb globe temperature metric—an advanced measure of heat stress that factors in humidity and wind speed. The findings reveal that while southern cities present the highest risks, even cooler locations may experience unusually high temperatures. Moreover, stadiums lacking air conditioning will likely further exacerbate the risks, especially for those engaged in strenuous physical tasks or wearing heavy costumes.
Protective Measures and Fifa’s Role
Jordan Barab, a former deputy assistant secretary at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), suggests that simple measures—such as mandated breaks, access to water, and shaded areas—can significantly mitigate heat-related health risks. He states, “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.”
Despite FIFA’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of all tournament participants—including players, fans, and staff—employment conditions are primarily governed by local laws and regulations. FIFA has indicated that it will collaborate closely with host cities to implement safety measures, including work-rest schedules and real-time weather monitoring. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives will hinge on rigorous enforcement and the active participation of local governments.
Ongoing Concerns and Political Challenges
Labour activists remain sceptical about the adequacy of FIFA’s safety measures. Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, an immigrant rights organiser based in Miami, pointed out that even matches scheduled for late evening may still expose workers to uncomfortable heat. Additionally, many workers will begin shifts well before the games commence, potentially during the hottest parts of the day.
While some World Cup employees are unionised and may benefit from enhanced protections, a significant number will be temporary contract workers who may not be accustomed to the local climate. Grundstein emphasised that acclimatisation is crucial: “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.”
Furthermore, political conditions in states like Florida and Texas, where local governments are prohibited from instituting heat protection laws, pose additional hurdles. Barab highlighted that only seven states currently enforce occupational heat safety standards, with California and Washington being the only ones hosting matches.
Monitoring and Accountability
In the absence of robust federal regulations concerning heat safety, labour rights organisations are prepared to closely monitor conditions throughout the tournament. Alingu remarked, “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.”
With workers’ health potentially hanging in the balance, the upcoming World Cup serves as a critical juncture for labour rights and climate advocacy.
Why it Matters
The implications of the 2026 World Cup extend far beyond the realm of sports; they touch upon vital issues of worker safety, climate change, and social justice. As temperatures rise and the risks to workers grow, the tournament will become a litmus test for the effectiveness of protective measures in high-stakes environments. The decisions made today will echo in the future, shaping not only the experiences of those involved in this global event but also setting precedents for labour protections in similar large-scale gatherings worldwide.
