Heat stress risks at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: what employers can learn about worker safety

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, concerns are growing around the impact of extreme heat on workers, players, and spectators across North America. With matches scheduled across 16 host cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico, many experts warn that high temperatures and humidity could create serious workplace health and safety risks.

For employers, the tournament highlights an increasingly important issue: protecting workers from heat-related illness.

Several World Cup host cities, including Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta, could experience temperatures above 85°F (29°C), with some reaching over 90°F (32°C) during tournament periods.

Researchers warn that thousands of workers involved in the tournament may face conditions exceeding recommended heat exposure limits. This includes:

• Security personnel
• Emergency responders
• Stadium staff
• Ticketing and concessions workers
• Construction and maintenance teams
• Temporary contract workers

Workers performing physically demanding tasks, carrying heavy loads, wearing protective clothing or uniforms, or spending long periods in direct sunlight may face an increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat-related illness.

Heat is already recognised as one of the deadliest forms of extreme weather, and experts say the 2026 World Cup could become one of the hottest tournaments in history.

Heat-related illness can develop quickly and may lead to:

• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke
• Fatigue and impaired concentration
• Increased risk of accidents and injuries

Occupational heat-related illnesses become more common when the heat index reaches 80°F (27°C) or higher.

Risk levels increase further during strenuous work activities such as lifting, carrying, digging, or prolonged standing in direct sunlight.

Workers who are not acclimatised to hot environments, such as temporary or seasonal workers, may be especially vulnerable.

A group of international health, climate, and sports performance experts has urged FIFA to strengthen its heat safety guidelines for the tournament.

The experts argue that current thresholds for player activity in extreme heat are “impossible to justify”.

They highlight Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) as an important measure of heat stress because it accounts for air temperature, humidity, wind speed and solar radiation.

The group has recommended stronger preventative measures, including:

• Longer cooling and hydration breaks
• Match delays or postponements during dangerous heat conditions
• Improved cooling technologies
• Enhanced heat monitoring protocols

While these recommendations focus on sport, the same principles apply to workplace health and safety.

Occupational safety experts consistently point to several effective ways employers can reduce heat-related risks at work.

Workers should have easy access to cool drinking water throughout their shift, particularly during hot weather and physically demanding tasks.

Regular breaks in shaded or cooled areas can help workers recover and reduce heat strain.

Employers should monitor temperature, humidity, and workload levels to assess heat risk accurately.

Workers new to hot environments may need time to adapt safely to working conditions

Workers should be trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of heat illness, report concerns, and respond appropriately in emergencies.

Employers should implement formal heat illness prevention plans and designate responsible heat safety personnel.

One recurring concern raised by labour advocates is the vulnerability of temporary and contract workers.

Temporary workers may:

• Be less acclimatised to local heat
• Lack adequate training
• Feel less comfortable raising safety concerns
• Have limited access to workplace protections

This reinforces the importance of clear communication, supervision, and consistent safety standards across all worker groups.

The risks seen during the World Cup reflect a much broader challenge.

Extreme heat is increasingly affecting:

• Outdoor workers
• Construction teams
• Event staff
• Emergency responders
• Recreational and youth sports
• Public events and festivals

Heat exposure can also worsen existing cardiovascular, respiratory, and mental health conditions.

For employers, this means heat risk management is becoming an essential part of workplace safety planning.

The increased attention on heat safety at the World Cup mirrors growing regulatory focus elsewhere.

OSHA recently renewed its National Emphasis Program for heat hazard prevention, increasing inspections and enforcement activity around heat-related workplace risks.

Inspectors may now assess heat hazards during both indoor and outdoor workplace inspections, particularly on “heat priority days” when temperatures exceed safe thresholds.

Employers are therefore being encouraged to take proactive steps to protect workers before incidents occur.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to showcase elite sport on a global stage, but it also highlights the very real dangers of workplace heat exposure.

From hydration and rest breaks to heat illness prevention planning and worker training, the lessons emerging from the tournament are directly relevant to employers across many industries.

As temperatures continue to rise, protecting workers from heat-related illness will remain a critical part of effective workplace health and safety management.