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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Dharna Noor, Seán Clarke and Paul MacInnes

World Cup matches played in potentially dangerous heat as players’ union makes climate warning

a soccer player pours water on his face
Achraf Hakimi of Morocco pours water over himself to cool down in the heat during the Fifa World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on 13 June. Photograph: Catherine Ivill/AMA/Getty Images

Nine matches in the World Cup group stage were played amid potentially dangerous heat and humidity, a Guardian analysis shows, as the global players’ union Fifpro warned that heat would have to “play a bigger part” in the sport’s future scheduling decisions.

The findings come as probably record-breaking heat and humidity will hit the midwest and eastern US this week and could make conditions even more challenging for players and fans at some games.

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