As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, concerns are mounting over the safety of workers involved in the tournament. With temperatures expected to soar above 85°F (29°C) in many of the host cities, labour advocates are sounding the alarm about the risks associated with extreme heat. The tournament, which will unfold across 16 cities, including several in the southern United States, may expose thousands of workers to dangerous conditions that could compromise their health.
A Sweltering Tournament Ahead
The World Cup, set to kick off in June, will take place in cities such as Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta, where the heat is predicted to reach alarming levels. Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, expressed grave concerns, 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.”
As the planet has warmed by over 1°F since the last World Cup held in North America, the stakes for worker safety have never been higher. Historical data suggests that heat is the most lethal form of extreme weather, and experts warn that this year’s event could be the hottest since the inaugural tournament in 1930.
Workers at Risk
A recent study highlights the potential hazards for thousands of World Cup workers, who will likely operate in conditions exceeding recommended heat-exposure limits. These individuals—ranging from delivery personnel to security staff—are at risk of heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. “A whole network of people are going to face heat-related hazards,” noted Andrew Grundstein, a geographer and climatologist at the University of Georgia.
The study examined the wet-bulb globe temperatures, which factor in humidity, temperature, and wind speed to assess heat stress. While southern cities pose the highest risks, it cautions that even cooler venues must prepare for unusually high temperatures. Locations without air conditioning, such as certain stadiums in Miami and Kansas City, may present particularly dangerous environments.
Proposed Protections and Concerns
To mitigate these risks, experts advocate for measures such as mandatory breaks, access to hydration, and shaded areas for workers. Jordan Barab, a former deputy assistant secretary of labour at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (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.”
FIFA, while not directly responsible for employment conditions, has stated its commitment to the health and safety of everyone involved in the tournament. The organisation has scheduled many matches for late afternoon and evening to avoid peak heat, while also promising cooling measures like misting systems and expanded water distribution. However, the effectiveness of these safety protocols will depend heavily on their implementation.
Luisangel Rodriguez, spokesperson for SEIU Local 1 in Kansas City, expressed cautious optimism regarding FIFA’s plans. “I hope they are able to follow through on all that,” he said, but underscored the need for vigilance in ensuring worker safety.
The Challenge of Temporary Workers
Many World Cup roles will be filled by temporary workers, who may not be accustomed to the local climate. Grundstein pointed out that individuals from cooler regions are particularly vulnerable, as their bodies have not acclimatised to extreme heat. Compounding this issue, temporary workers may be less likely to voice concerns about unsafe working conditions.
In Miami, Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, an immigrant rights organiser, warned that even evening matches could expose workers to dangerous heat. “In Miami, it can still be dangerously hot during that time,” she said. Labour advocates are pushing for heat-safety training and resources for workers at fan festivals, where access to shade and hydration is critical.
Political Obstacles to Safety
Political conditions in states like Florida and Texas further complicate efforts to safeguard workers. Recent legislation has prohibited local governments from implementing heat protection measures for employees. Mendez-Zamora noted, “We have tried to pass ordinances that would have guaranteed protections to workers, but unfortunately this state has preempted a lot of that.”
Currently, only a handful of states have enforceable occupational heat safety standards, with California and Washington being the only World Cup host states to have such regulations. Without federal mandates, the onus falls on employers to ensure worker safety, which can lead to significant gaps in protection.
Why it Matters
The risks posed by extreme heat during the World Cup underscore a broader issue of worker rights and safety in high-stakes environments. As millions tune in to watch the tournament, the health of those behind the scenes must not be overlooked. The lack of robust protections can lead to preventable illnesses and fatalities, raising ethical questions about the treatment of workers in the sports industry. As the tournament approaches, the urgency for effective safety measures has never been clearer, and the world will be watching not just the games, but how the rights of workers are upheld.
