Two World Cup matches played in severe heat despite union warning, analysis finds
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Two first-round matches at the FIFA World Cup were played in heat conditions that a global football players' union has previously said should warrant delays or postponements, according to an analysis by The Guardian.
The analysis found that Saudi Arabia's match against Uruguay in Miami and Sweden's game against Tunisia in Monterrey were played in wet-bulb temperatures of 28°C or higher, a threshold at which FIFPRO, the global players' union, has argued games should be delayed or called off.
Wet-bulb temperature measures heat stress by combining temperature, humidity, and cloud cover to assess how effectively the human body can cool itself through sweating.
Four additional matches were held in cities where wet-bulb temperatures also exceeded 28°C, though air conditioning inside stadiums reduced conditions for players. These included Germany versus Curacao in Houston, Portugal versus DR Congo in Houston, the Netherlands versus Japan in Dallas, and England versus Croatia in Dallas.
The England-Croatia match was played in outdoor conditions approaching a wet-bulb temperature of 35°C, but air conditioning inside the stadium reduced temperatures to about 22°C.
Facing concerns over extreme summer temperatures across North America, FIFA has introduced mandatory water breaks and shifted some kick-off times later in the day. Current FIFA guidelines call for cooling breaks at temperatures of 32°C or above, while delays or suspensions remain at the discretion of organisers.
Heat and public health experts have urged FIFA to adopt stronger protections. Robbie Parks, an environmental epidemiologist at Columbia University, said direct sunlight can significantly increase heat exposure beyond official temperature readings and stressed the importance of shade and hydration for fans and workers.
The World Cup is expected to be the hottest edition of the tournament since it began in 1930. FIFA said it is monitoring conditions in real time and has implemented measures, including cooling areas, misting systems, expanded water distribution, medical protocols, and on-site meteorological support to protect players, spectators, and staff.