2026 World Cup: heat poses an invisible challenge for footballers in host cities

Physical trainers are now focusing on managing player exertion and protecting their bodies from unprecedented thermal stress. Medical staff are concerned about dehydration, decreased physical and cognitive abilities, premature fatigue, and heatstroke. Teams have adapted their training methods, scheduling sessions early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid peak heat.

Players follow individualized hydration protocols before, during, and after training, with daily monitoring of weight and hydration levels. Experts estimate footballers can lose 1 to 2 liters of fluid during a 90-minute match, even more in extreme conditions. Recovery has become a strategic element, with many teams using cooling equipment like refrigerated vests, insulated jackets, and shoe covers to quickly lower body temperature.

These devices can reduce internal temperature by about 0.5°C and skin temperature by up to 13°C, delaying fatigue and promoting faster recovery. Cooling breaks during matches are crucial for rehydration, tactical instructions, and lowering body temperature. Sports experts note that preparation for the North American World Cup now includes acclimatization to heat as a key performance factor.

Some teams arrive days or weeks in advance to gradually adapt to local climate conditions. Managing heat cou