World Cup 2026 Faces Heat and Storm Challenges

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The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be one of the hottest editions of the tournament since it was last held in North America in 1994. Intense heat, with temperatures soaring above 90F (32C), and potential thunderstorms pose significant challenges for outdoor matches. The high temperatures and humidity will influence gameplay, while thunderstorms may disrupt scheduling. Under the U.S. thunderstorm protocol, matches will be suspended if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of a stadium, triggering a 30-minute countdown that resets with each new lightning strike. Such conditions previously extended a Club World Cup match in Charlotte, North Carolina, by over four hours. To mitigate these challenges, The Athletic collaborates with Aaron Mentkowski, a chief meteorologist, to provide daily weather forecasts and insights during storm delays. Fans attending matches in cities like Seattle, Atlanta, and Miami should prepare for high temperatures and potential weather disruptions, while indoor venues like BC Place in Canada will remain unaffected by these extremes.

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