"More extreme heat is not random, it's climate change, caused by more than a century of burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas," said Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN climate body.
"It affects the things we love, like football."
FIFA guidelines state that a WBGT reading above 32°C (90°F) should prompt mandatory cooling breaks and potential match suspensions.
To combat the severe North American summer, organizers implemented three-minute hydration breaks for all tournament fixtures.
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Medical experts warned that extreme heat remains the deadliest form of severe weather globally. Joshua L.
DeVincenzo from Columbia University highlighted that fans face immense risks while navigating unshaded parking lots, transit platforms, and stadium entrances.
"Taking into account their entire journey to the stadiums, arriving early, leaving late, and how much time is spent in heat-conducting spaces like parking lots, cars, trains and platforms, and unshaded areas pose significant risks to the fan experience," he said.
"In addition to this, fans pose a wider range of vulnerabilities to the heat, where the elderly, children, and those with other cardiovascular or metabolic conditions should be extra prepared."
Labor advocates noted that manual workers at the venues face severe health hazards when heavy labor is performed above a 25°C WBGT without regulated rest periods.
Currently, only three tournament venues—located in Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta—are fully climate-controlled.
FIFA defended its safety frameworks, noting that matches were intentionally scheduled for late afternoon and evening slots.
