Extreme weather is expected to play a part in player performance at the 2026 World Cup Last updated: May 14, 2026 | 15:45 The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11 Dubai: A panel of leading scientists has warned FIFA that the current heat protection measures planned for the men’s 2026 World Cup fall short and may expose players to serious health risks. The current measures include mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in each half, climate-controlled benches for staff and substitutes, and the use of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings to monitor heat stress. FIFA’s medical guidelines state that when WBGT levels approach or exceed 32C, organisers should consider additional precautions to prevent heat-related illness. However, in an open letter, a group of international experts in health, climate, and sports performance argued that FIFA’s current guidelines do not reflect the latest scientific understanding and are “impossible to justify”.…