This year’s FIFA men’s World Cup brings together millions of fans from around the world. With games spread across multiple cities and climates, fans and athletes could be at risk for a variety of respiratory health problems. But with all the excitement, people might not be thinking about the unique mix of challenges the World Cup festivities will bring.
Lung health is a major concern during large events like the World Cup because people are exposed to crowded spaces, new environments and changing weather conditions. Researchers believe that extreme heat, air pollution, diseases and long-distance travel are all factors that could add to potential health concerns. In fact, scientists note that no previous World Cup has had this combination of environmental risks at the same time.
Extreme Heat Poses Real Challenges
Extreme heat is one of the biggest concerns for the 2026 World Cup. A recent study found that, largely due to climate change, dangerous heat conditions are now nearly twice as likely as they were just a few decades ago. Accelerated by human activities like the burning of fossil fuels, air pollution and extreme weather, climate change has led to a steady increase in global temperatures. This increase has caused more frequent, intense and prolonged heatwaves across the globe.
When the U.S. last hosted the World Cup in 1994, 21 games were expected to take place in extreme heat, and three were so hot they were deemed unsafe to play. This time around, the total is much higher: 14 of the 16 host cities are likely to see dangerous heat levels, and some of the stadiums will not provide cooling systems. Because of this, the global player’s union is trying to adopt a model called the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to measure the combined effects of environmental factors on the human body and determine when it is safe to play. This measure of heat stress combines temperature, humidity, sunlight, wind and cloud cover to identify trends across host cities.
How Heat Affects Athletes' Bodies (and Performance)
Even extremely healthy individuals, like athletes, can feel the effects of extreme heat. Because their bodies are working extra hard to regulate internal temperature, blood is redirected from working muscles toward the skin. This decreases the oxygen and nutrients delivered to muscles, which in turn reduces aerobic capacity, increases respiratory rate and puts strain on the heart and lungs. Often those who are suffering from negative effects of extreme heat experience shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness or other signs of heat exhaustion. Left untreated, this can progress to heat stroke, which can be life-threatening.
A soccer game runs for 90 minutes, but additional stoppage time and timeouts mean that most games last two hours or longer. This is a long time to be exposed to extreme heat, which can raise the risk of dehydration. Excessive sweating depletes the body of vital fluids and minerals, which can affect motor skills and endurance. Additionally, the respiratory system is specifically affected because dehydration thickens the mucus in the airways, making it harder to expel. When mucus collects in the airways, it also increases the risk of catching an infection.
FIFA has addressed initial concerns for players' health by implementing a mandatory three-minute hydration break midway through each half regardless of weather conditions. Matches are more spread out than in the past, giving players three days of rest between games. And organizers have scheduled some matches in hotter regions at night in hopes of avoiding peak afternoon heat. But a letter signed by leading scientists warns that current protections may not be enough, and that stronger safety measures are needed to protect players' health.
How Heat Makes Air Pollution and Infection Worse
The increased temperature can also become a breeding ground for air pollution and infectious diseases. When temperatures increase, ground-level ozone (smog) is more likely to form. More frequent or intense wildfires have also become a part of everyday life in many of the host cities, which could increase levels of particle pollution in the air. These pollutants can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing a host of health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular harm.
Additionally, close contact with people who are sick in crowded places like stadiums, airports and watch parties can increase the risk of respiratory infections. In the United States, parainfluenza, human metapneumovirus and rhinovirus/enterovirus are elevated with COVID-19 elevated in some areas. In some areas of the world, flu and RSV are elevated. With the World Cup bringing millions of people together from around the world, these illnesses could spread easily through the air and remain in spaces for hours after an infected person leaves. Fans can take precautions like being up to date on recommended vaccinations, frequent handwashing and wearing a high-quality mask.
Protecting Yourself
The 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup will be an unforgettable event, but it also highlights the growing link between climate change and lung health. Extreme heat, air pollution and infectious diseases all pose real risks to players and fans. By understanding these challenges and taking simple steps such as staying hydrated and seeking occasional respite from the heat to stay safe, people can better protect their lungs during the tournament.
The Lung Association offers useful information to help you protect you and your loved ones from extreme heat. You can get tips to protect yourself from heat-related illness, how to protect yourself while traveling , learn about poor air quality and discover ways to protect your lungs.
Blog last updated: June 18, 2026
