FIFA evaluates these risks using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which factors in temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation.
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Exercise physiologists warn that high-exertion sports become unsafe at 28°C WBGT, while FIFA uses a 32°C threshold before taking official intervention steps.
A 2025 study revealed that 14 of the 16 host venues will surpass the 28°C safety threshold periodically during the tournament.
Several stadiums feature climate-control air conditioning and protective roofs to help neutralize the intense summer heat.
Tropical Storms and Altitude Concerns
Tropical storms also pose a measurable risk because the tournament schedule overlaps with the early segment of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Initial tropical developments typically emerge over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Bay of Campeche, and the western Caribbean.
Consequently, venues located in Mexico, alongside Houston and Miami, face the highest exposure to tropical storm systems.
The National Hurricane Center continues to track a low-pressure system over the Bay of Campeche, noting a slight chance of tropical cyclone formation.
Mexico City introduces unique physical demands due to an elevation of approximately 2,240 metres above sea level.
The thin mountain air reduces oxygen availability, which accelerates player exhaustion and extends required recovery times during matches.
Furthermore, lower atmospheric resistance alters the traditional flight path and speed of the match ball.
Conversely, Canadian venues expect comparatively cool conditions alongside the lowest overall risk of severe storm interruptions.
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This unequal distribution of challenging environmental conditions has triggered debate surrounding competitive fairness across the tournament layout.
