The intense heat of summer will soon be upon us, surprising even those who think they’re prepared. The immediate onset of sweat and the feeling of hot air hitting your lungs can be overwhelming.
This is the reality facing some players participating in this summer’s North American World Cup.
In a specialized lab on England’s south coast, Precision Fuel and Hydration is working to replicate the conditions teams will encounter during the tournament. To experience this for myself, I undertook a 30-minute run followed by a 20-minute uphill walk, simulating the climate expected in cities like Miami or Monterrey, Mexico. This is approximately equivalent to nearly half a soccer match, which exceeds 90 minutes.
While I may not exert myself with the intensity of a professional soccer player, my 50 minutes of exercise led to an overall weight loss of 0.64%. My core body temperature rose by 1.55°C, which suggests a 10% decrease in physical performance capacity within the first hour.
Once the workout ended, I still felt a burning sensation in my face, hands, and feet. Fortunately, that’s where my discomfort ceased, unlike World Cup players who must rapidly shift their focus to recovery with games occurring every few days.
Current Conditions for the World Cup
The playing conditions are evaluated using Wet Bulb Temperature (WBGT), a metric that accounts for air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. At a WBGT of 28 degrees Celsius, the players’ association, FIFPRO, has recommended postponing the match.
Forecasting Game Conditions
Though it’s not an exact science, Precision Fuel and Hydration estimates that about a quarter of the World Cup games may be played at temperatures surpassing the WBGT of 26 degrees Celsius. Some matches are projected to exceed 28 degrees Celsius, particularly in outdoor stadiums located in the southern United States and northern Mexico, including cities like Monterrey, Miami, Kansas City, Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey, and Boston.
In May, a coalition of health, climate, and sports performance experts expressed their concerns to FIFA, warning that players would encounter “alarming levels of heat stress” during the tournament.
“Heat not only makes players uncomfortable but also alters the game’s physiology,” explains Dr. Lindsey Hunt, senior sports scientist at Precision Fuel and Hydration.
“As core body and skin temperatures rise, the skin redirects blood flow away from working muscles, as the body tries to escape the heat. This can lead to reduced high-intensity running, fewer sprints, and slower play, particularly in the second half of games.”
The Impact of Heat on Athletic Performance
This May, tennis player Jakub Mencik collapsed during the French Open after playing for over four hours under sweltering conditions that reached 95 degrees Fahrenheit. He had to be wheeled off the court.
Afterward, Mensik remarked that his body “just turned off.”
“Playing in this weather is insane,” he noted.
When Scotland commenced its World Cup match against Haiti in Boston on June 13, the temperature was a cooler 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Nonetheless, playing conditions still proved challenging, despite starting times as late as 9 PM local time.
Bournemouth winger Ben Gannon-Doak, who performed well in Scotland’s 1-0 victory, expressed no frustration at being substituted after 75 minutes. “I had to come off,” he shared. “Both my calf muscles gave out first—cramps were setting in. I was just grateful to have a seat afterward.”
Addressing the Challenges of Summer Matches
The climate in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is influencing nearly every aspect of tournament preparation. Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman even speculated that England might field a team specifically adapted to these weather conditions.
“If you observe their lineup, it’s evident they’re focusing on strategies that consume minimal energy, such as corners and throw-ins,” Koeman stated.
In contrast, England manager Thomas Tuchel emphasized a more scientific approach. England trained in West Palm Beach, Florida, facing conditions that peaked at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tuchel remarked, “We understand how each player responds to heat, and we have cooling strategies in place.” He added that consultations with Team GB and global experts have led to tailored solutions that will assist athletes in adjusting to these extreme conditions.
England began their preparation over a year ago, utilizing heated tents during training camps in Spain and employing digital capsules to monitor athletes’ core temperatures. “While you can’t train against the weather, you can ensure your team isn’t underprepared,” Hunt notes. “Proper acclimatization and early arrival can significantly enhance performance resilience during demanding tournaments.”
Can Environmental Factors Determine World Cup Success?
The short answer is yes. Bookmakers currently favor France and Spain to win the World Cup, with both possessing strong teams and recent tournament success. France reached the finals in the past two World Cups, while Spain is the reigning European champion.
Historically, since the tournament’s inception in 1930, only Spain in 2010 and Germany in 2014 have won the World Cup outside Europe. The last World Cup held in North America was in 1994, culminating in a victory for Brazil.
While scientific advancements in managing extreme conditions may level the playing field compared to 32 years ago, history indicates that Europe’s elite must conquer the challenges posed by weather to claim World Cup glory.
