As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, labour advocates are sounding alarms over the potential health hazards facing workers across the tournament’s host cities. With forecasts predicting dangerously high temperatures that could exceed 90°F in various locations, concerns are mounting about how these extreme conditions will impact those tasked with facilitating the global event.
Heat-Related Risks for Tournament Workers
The World Cup will unfold across 16 cities, with 11 of them located in the United States, including southern hubs like Miami, Houston, and Atlanta. Experts warn that many workers involved in the tournament—ranging from concession vendors to law enforcement—are at risk of heat-related illnesses in a climate that has already warmed significantly since the last North American World Cup in 1994.
Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, emphasised the urgency of protecting workers, 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.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern that the upcoming tournament could experience some of the hottest conditions since its inception in 1930.
Research indicates that thousands of workers will operate in environments exceeding recommended heat-exposure limits, leading to heightened risks of heat exhaustion and more severe health issues. Andrew Grundstein, a climatologist from the University of Georgia, has noted that those involved in physical labour, such as construction or maintenance, as well as staff wearing heavy costumes, are particularly vulnerable.
Assessing Current Protective Measures
The study released recently highlights that while southern cities face the highest risks, even cooler locations should prepare for above-average temperatures. Workers generally begin their shifts well before matches, often during the hottest parts of the day. The absence of air conditioning in many stadiums, including those in Miami and Philadelphia, exacerbates these risks.
To mitigate the dangers posed by extreme heat, experts advocate for essential measures such as mandatory breaks, easy access to water, and shaded areas for rest. Jordan Barab, former deputy assistant secretary of labour at OSHA, remarked, “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.” However, he also noted that many employers continue to neglect these crucial precautions, placing workers at unnecessary risk.
While FIFA does not directly oversee employment conditions, it has a role to play in promoting safety through agreements with host cities and contractors. A FIFA spokesperson affirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of all involved, stating that climate-related risks are assessed as part of tournament planning.
Potential Challenges and the Role of Local Governments
Despite FIFA’s assurances, labour advocates express scepticism regarding the effectiveness of the proposed safety measures. Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, a Miami-based immigrant rights organiser, pointed out that evening matches may still expose workers to extreme heat. Furthermore, the political landscape in states like Florida and Texas complicates the situation, where laws exist that prevent local governments from mandating protective measures against heat.
Only a handful of states have enforceable heat safety standards, leaving workers in states without specific protections vulnerable to the whims of their employers. Barab highlighted the urgent need for federal regulations to safeguard workers from heat, noting that many labour rights groups will be closely monitoring conditions throughout the tournament.
Ensuring Worker Safety: A Collective Responsibility
As the tournament draws nearer, it is clear that the responsibility for worker safety extends beyond FIFA. Local governments, stadium authorities, and organisations must collaborate to ensure that adequate protections are in place. The historical context of heat-related incidents at previous World Cups serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate preparation.
Luisangel Rodriguez, a spokesperson for SEIU Local 1, observed that while some workers have secured stronger protections through union negotiations, many temporary workers are not afforded the same safeguards. With a significant number of the workforce likely to be unacclimatised to the local climate, it is crucial that all workers receive appropriate training and resources to navigate the challenging conditions they will face.
Why it Matters
The intersection of sports and worker safety underscores a pressing issue that transcends the tournament itself. As the world watches the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfold, the conditions faced by workers highlight broader challenges related to climate change, labour rights, and public health. Ensuring that these individuals are protected not only reflects a commitment to social justice but also sets a precedent for future events in a warming world. The eyes of the globe will be on the matches, but it is imperative that we also pay attention to the unseen efforts of those behind the scenes.
