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As the World Cup 2026 approaches, labour rights advocates are sounding alarms about the perilous conditions that workers will face in the sweltering heat across various host cities in the United States. With forecasts indicating temperatures could soar above 90°F (32°C), the health risks for those contributing to the tournament are significant, raising questions about the adequacy of protective measures in place.
The Heat Is On: Concerns for Workers’ Safety
The tournament, which is set to unfold in 16 cities, including 11 in the U.S., is particularly concerning for those in southern locales such as Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta. With temperatures expected to reach dangerously high levels, Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, emphasised the urgent need for worker protections. “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 warned. “Or, God forbid, something even worse.”
Historical data shows that heat is the most lethal form of extreme weather, and with the planet having warmed over 1°F (0.56°C) since the last World Cup in North America, this year’s event is predicted to be the hottest since its inception in 1930. Thousands of workers, including delivery personnel, law enforcement, and concession staff, are expected to toil under conditions that exceed recommended heat-exposure limits, significantly increasing their risk of heat exhaustion and related illnesses.
Assessing the Risks: Who’s Affected?
A recent study led by Andrew Grundstein, a geographer and climatologist at the University of Georgia, highlights the array of workers who will face heat-related hazards. “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,” he stated.
The study employed wet-bulb globe temperatures, which account for humidity and wind speed, to assess heat stress levels. Southern cities, facing the highest risks, are not the only concern; even cooler areas must prepare for unusually elevated temperatures. The research indicates that operational conditions matter immensely. Stadiums lacking air conditioning, such as venues in Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Kansas City, pose a heightened danger.
Moreover, workers carrying heavy loads, engaging in physical labour, or wearing costumes are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses. Security personnel, who may spend extended periods in direct sunlight, also face elevated threats.
Protective Measures: Are They Enough?
To mitigate the risks, former deputy assistant secretary of labour, Jordan Barab, advocates for mandatory breaks, along with access to water and shaded areas. “We’ve known for decades, if not centuries, how to protect workers against heat-related illness and death,” he said. “It’s not that hard, it’s not that expensive, but there are far too many employers who are still neglecting those precautions.”
FIFA, while not directly responsible for employment conditions—which fall under the jurisdiction of local organisers and contractors—has stated its commitment to worker safety. Measures planned include scheduling many matches for late afternoon or evening, deploying cooling systems, and ensuring medical personnel are present at every match. However, the efficacy of these protective measures largely hinges on proper implementation.
Luisangel Rodriguez, a spokesperson for SEIU Local 1, which represents some staff at the Kansas City venue, expressed cautious optimism: “I hope, we hope, that they are able to follow through on all that. Let’s see.”
Political Challenges: A Barrier to Safety
Despite FIFA’s intentions, the political landscape complicates efforts to ensure worker safety. States like Florida and Texas have enacted laws that prohibit local governments from mandating heat protection measures. “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,” said Yareliz Mendez-Zamora, an immigrant rights organiser in Miami.
With only seven states possessing enforceable occupational heat safety standards, and just California and Washington hosting matches, many workers find themselves at the mercy of their employers. The lack of robust federal regulations further exacerbates the situation. Although OSHA has renewed its focus on heat protections, past actions have weakened enforcement measures, leaving many workers vulnerable.
Ongoing Vigilance: Monitoring Conditions
Labour rights groups are poised to keep a close watch on working conditions throughout the tournament. “We’re now in a mode of needing to observe and report what’s happening,” Alingu said. “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
As the world gears up for one of the most celebrated sporting events, the health and safety of those who make it possible cannot be overlooked. With climate change intensifying the risks of extreme heat, the need for comprehensive protective measures for workers has never been more critical. Failure to address these issues not only jeopardises the well-being of thousands but also casts a shadow on the integrity of an event that should celebrate unity and excellence. It is imperative that all stakeholders, from FIFA to local organisers, prioritise the safety of workers to ensure a fair and just World Cup.