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Off Your Game: How Climate Change Could Slow Down the 2026 World Cup

Climate change is making the 2026 World Cup hotter. Use this information hub from Climate Central to explore how heat could slow down player performance across all of the 2026 World Cup matches — and how climate change is increasing the odds of heat.

SEE THE MATCHES MOST INFLUENCED BY CLIMATE CHANGE THIS WEEK

Climate Matches of the Week

Two World Cup matches this week are forecast to be played in climate-change-driven heat or humid heat, highlighting how rising global temperatures are increasing heat-related risks at major sporting events.

  • July 19 | 3 PM

    Final: Winner Match 101 vs. Winner Match 102

    New Jersey Stadium — East Rutherford, NJ

    • Forcast high: 82°F (27.8°C)
    • Forcast high wet-bulb temperature: 77°F (25.1°C); above the dangerous humid heat threshold; event not possible without climate change influence.
    • Climate change made humid heat at least two times more likely.

  • July 18 | 5 PM

    Loser Match 101 vs. Loser Match 102

    Miami Stadium — Miami Gardens, FL

    • Forecast high: 87°F (30.6°C) — above 82.4°F () the athlete performance threshold
    • Climate Shift Index (CSI) — average: 5
    • Climate Shift Index (CSI) — high: 1
    • High wet bulb temperature: 77°F (25°C) — above the dangerous humid heat threshold; event not possible without climate change influence.