Players Sign Open Letter to FIFA Demanding Stronger Heat-Safety Rules Before World Cup Kickoff
Players from across 21 nations have signed an open letter calling on FIFA to strengthen its heat-stress framework before the 2026 World Cup. The push follows a World Weather Attribution report warning of "hazardous heat". FIFA has introduced fixed three-minute hydration breaks but its postponement threshold remains 32°C, while the players union FIFPRO calls 28°C unsafe.
L ess than a month before the 2026 World Cup opens in the United States, Mexico and Canada, professional footballers have signed an open letter calling on FIFA to introduce stronger guarantees against extreme heat. The letter, supported by players and former players representing clubs and national teams from 21 countries, warns that heat stress can reduce physical performance and increase risks to player health, and asks the federation to update its protocols before the June 11 opener at Estadio Azteca.
Players from 21 nations sign on
Signatories include players and former players from clubs and national teams in Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Gibraltar, Grenada, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States. "We find it important that all players are protected from heat impacts, from the grassroots to the elite level. As the elite playing the World Cup sets the example for players around the world, it's essential that the best available medical expertise is put into practice," the players wrote.
"Many of us have experienced heat impacting our sport. It can make you feel light-headed, dizzy, experience fatigue, muscle cramps, and worse. You can run less, and it becomes impossible to play with the same intensity as with more average temperatures."
"Hazardous heat" warning from the climate-science side
The letter follows a recent report from World Weather Attribution (WWA) warning of "hazardous heat" at multiple venues that could put player health and performance at risk. The players say they share the medical professionals' concerns and support the call for FIFA to update its heat-stress framework before kickoff.
What FIFA has put in place
"FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff. Climate-related risks are assessed as part of overall tournament planning and managed in close coordination with host cities, stadium authorities and national agencies," a FIFA spokesperson told Euronews Health.
The federation has introduced three-minute hydration breaks in each half of every match, the first World Cup at which the breaks apply automatically regardless of temperature, to keep conditions equal across all 104 matches. Teams may also use up to five substitutions, plus an additional substitution in extra time and a concussion substitution, with a minimum of three rest days between matches and climate-controlled benches for technical staff and substitutes at every outdoor venue. Scheduling has been adjusted with kickoff times shifted in warmer markets and warm-window matches prioritised for covered stadiums where possible.
The 28°C vs 32°C gap
The unresolved question is the postponement threshold. Around five group-stage matches are forecast to be played in 28°C heat, a level the global players' union FIFPRO considers unsafe and at which it recommends postponement. FIFA's own regulations only trigger consideration of postponement above 32°C. That four-degree gap is the practical centre of the players' demand: align the federation threshold with the medical and union view, or publicly explain why a higher number stands.