World Cup matches played in potentially dangerous heat as players’ union makes climate warning | World Cup 2026

Nine matches in the World Cup group stage were played amid potentially dangerous heat and humidity, a Guardian analysis shows, as the global players’ union Fifpro warned that heat would have to “play a bigger part” in the sport’s future scheduling decisions.

The findings come as probably record-breaking heat and humidity will hit the midwest and eastern US this week and could make conditions even more challenging for players and fans at some games.

The Guardian’s latest analysis of conditions looked at the World Cup’s 72-game group stage, which ended on Saturday last week, and found an estimated nine matches were played in conditions of severe heat that Fifpro has previously said should trigger the delay or postponement of games.

An additional 13 may have been played in cities with temperatures beyond that level of heat, but where stadiums were cooled by air conditioning.

These matches were played amid wet bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) that may have been at or over 28C (82F), according to data for the place and time of the games – conditions Fifpro has argued should trigger the delay or postponement of games.

The two hottest games in a non-air-conditioned venue were both played at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. During Uruguay’s 2-2 draw with Cape Verde on 21 June, the wet-bulb globe temperature may have reached or exceeded 33C, surpassing the previous tournament high of an estimated 32.9C recorded six days earlier, when Uruguay drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia.

“The lesson for everyone in the industry is that with a warming planet, heat conditions will play a bigger part in tournament and league scheduling decisions in the future,” a spokesperson from the Fifpro union said in a comment when asked about the Guardian analysis findings.

The UN’s top climate official also warned about how the climate crisis was affecting the sport. “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,” Simon Stiell, executive secretary for the United Nations climate body, said in an emailed comment. “It affects the things we love, like football.”

Graphic showing temperatures in several cities

Unlike air temperature alone, WBGT accounts for humidity, direct sunlight and wind to provide a more accurate measure of heat stress and the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating. At high enough levels of heat and humidity, sweat can no longer evaporate efficiently, preventing the body from cooling itself and leading to rapid overheating that can cause heat illness or even death.

WBGT measurements require specialized equipment on site, but the Guardian has compiled approximations based on air temperature and humidity data for the time and place of each match, with data from open-source weather service Open-Meteo. These estimates were calculated using a formula devised by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and used by the Canadian military and other institutions.

The 2026 World Cup is projected to be the hottest such tournament to be held since the quadrennial competition began in 1930.

At WBGT readings above 32C (90F), Fifa says cooling breaks should be introduced and match delays or suspensions should be considered. But amid sweltering North American conditions at this year’s tournament, the organization has introduced three-minute hydration breaks for every match.

Extreme heat is the deadliest form of extreme weather, causing more deaths every year than hurricanes, floods and wildfires combined. Sweltering conditions can put players at risk.

Yannick Semedo and Laros Duarte of Cape Verde cool down in the dressing room after the Fifa World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on 21 June in Miami Gardens, Florida. Photograph: Carmen Mandato/FIFA/Getty Images

Spectators can also be affected, said Joshua L DeVincenzo, an assistant director at Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness.

“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 and unions have warned that workers can also be put at risk by extreme heat during the matches. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that above WBGT readings of 25C, heavy lifting and other manual labor without rest breaks poses a severe risk of heat-related illness.

Air conditioning may be the most effective way to lower WBGT in stadiums, but only three World Cup venues this year, in Dallas, Houston and Atlanta, are fully cooled. Even those attending air-conditioned stadiums can be exposed to dangerous heat while entering and exiting the venues.

Fan festival viewing events in those cities can also pose risks. On opening day, more than 100 people at the Houston fan festival gathering required medical treatment, and four were hospitalized.

The Guardian asked Fifa if there is a WBGT that would trigger definite game delays or suspensions but did not receive a response.

The organization has defended its heat protections, noting it scheduled many matches of this year’s matches for late afternoon and evening to avoid the hottest summer hours and saying it was using a “tiered heat mitigation model” to protect players, referees, supporters, volunteers and staff.

Fifa has said it is stationing meteorologists at match venues to help prepare for extreme weather, it has said, adding that tournament planning includes “close coordination” with host city organizers as well as stadium authorities and national agencies, and that players, alongside mandatory hydration breaks, are being provided access to water, electrolyte drinks, ice, cold towels, fans, mist and shade.

“As Fifa and the 2026 World Cup have taken meaningful proactive steps in introducing these safeguards, there remains a critical need for more research on the lived experiences of fans, players and workers under these new weather conditions, data that will be essential for informing the next generation of heat safety protocols at major sporting events worldwide,” said DeVincenzo.

A heatwave is expected to envelop swaths of the central and eastern United States this week, with some World Cup cities potentially set to see their hottest conditions of the year so far. Host cities including Boston, Philadelphia and Kansas City, Missouri, all of which have open-air stadiums, could see above-average levels of heat.

Philadelphia will be under extreme heat watch, declared by the National Weather Service, beginning Wednesday afternoon and into Saturday evening. Fifa’s fan festival gathering has shifted hours in an attempt to avoid the hottest weather.

An extreme heat warning is also in effect for Kansas City, and in New York City, an extreme heat watch will be in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening.

The conditions could revive conversations about heat safety that cropped up during the brutally hot Club World Cup matches in the US last year.

“You can clearly see an effort to align the competition schedule planning and venue selection with the concerns around player health, but also player performance,” the Fifpro spokesperson said. “This is a clear outcome, which we welcome, and a lesson learned from the Club World Cup.”

But some games may still pose a threat, said the spokesperson, noting that “expanded competition formats as well as infrastructure limitations make it very difficult to eliminate risks completely.”

By the tournament’s end, one in four matches are expected to be played under WBGT conditions at or above 28C, according to estimates from World Weather Attribution. That could include the final, two quarter-finals and the third-place play-off.

Scorching heat is not the only form of extreme weather taking a toll on the World Cup this year. On 22 June, France’s match against Iraq was postponed by two hours due to rainstorms in the first weather-related delay to a World Cup match since 1974.

“Sport is the world’s greatest unifying force, and football is the world’s biggest sport,” said Stiell. “If everyone who loves football speaks up to protect it from climate impacts like extreme heat, we can kick the dependence on planet-heating fossil fuels and move much faster to clean energy. “

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The NYC Marathon 9+1 Program Is Changing, and Runners Aren’t Happy

Changes are coming for the membership program of the New York Road Runners, as well as its 9+1 program. The changes are expected to immediately impact participation in 2027 races and 9+1 entry into the 2028 New York Marathon.

NYRR is making these changes in response to a continued rise in demand for NYRR races, which itself is a result of growing interest in the NYRR’s 9+1 program.

The 9+1 program is the NYRR’s system that grants runners a shot at guaranteed entry to the New York Marathon.

The guaranteed entry is not free, but when you look at the odds of winning entry into the New York Marathon you’ll see why it’s a great thing. Odds of winning entry into the New York Marathon in the most recent drawing dropped to 1%, while as recently as 2022 the odds were around 12%.

marathon majors chance of entry — *note The Boston number is flipped and should be 67% of those who actually applied made it in to the available spots.

In its current form the 9+1 program grants access to non-drawing race registrations up to two days early for Member Plus and Family Plus members. This is the main benefit in addition to the list of benefits for Standard NYRR memberships.

To complete the requirements for the 9+1 Program, a runner must finish nine qualifying NYRR races and one volunteer shift within a single calendar year while maintaining an active membership.

What’s Changing for 9 + 1?

The actual 9 + 1 component remains. Runners still need to complete nine qualifying NYRR races plus one eligible volunteer shift during the calendar year.

The biggest change is that 9+1 will no longer be open to every NYRR member who wants to complete it. Beginning with runners trying to earn guaranteed entry to the 2028 NYC Marathon, you’ll first need to be selected through a drawing.
There is no fee to enter the 9+1 drawing. You do need an active NYRR membership to apply.
If you’re selected, you’ll pay a $99 9+1 Pass fee. That is a new cost and is separate from your NYRR membership, race entry fees and eventual NYC Marathon registration fee.
Completing 9+1 as a passholder still earns guaranteed entry, not a free marathon bib. Once you qualify, you’ll still need to register for the NYC Marathon and pay the normal race fee.
Nothing changes for runners currently completing 9+1 in 2026. Those runners are still working toward guaranteed entry to the 2027 NYC Marathon under the existing system.
The new process starts this fall for the 2027 qualifying year. Runners selected in the 2026 drawing will complete their nine races and volunteer shift in 2027, then use that guaranteed entry for the 2028 NYC Marathon.

Going forward the Member Plus and Family Plus membership tiers are going away, current members of these tiers will get a prorated refund after their memberships are reclassified. The early access to race registration will now be a benefit available to all members, no longer to be reserved only for Member Plus and Family Plus members.

Why The Changes?

According to the NYRR the current system is not adequately built to handle the current level of interest in the 9+1 program, while the new system will improve access to NYRR races for all runners.

Under the new program the 9+1 eligibility drawing will balance out demand for races year-round, as will the $99 annual fee. There will be a limited number of 9+1 Passholders annually. Those members will have a clearer pathway to complete the program.

Under the current program the additional 9+1 Passholders mean less opportunities for program members, as well as the general public. The new program means less runners are competing for the spots in the 9+1 system, both as race participants and volunteers.

But this also means less NYRR members get a chance at better selection odds and they go back into the general lottery.

NYRR NYMarathon Start Line 2

What’s Your Take?

Many NYRR long time runners are pretty heated about the change. The biggest frustration isn’t just the new $99 fee. For many runners, 9+1 was one of the few NYC Marathon entry paths that felt largely within their control. If you were willing to commit to nine races and a volunteer shift, you could earn your way in.

Under the new system, runners first have to be selected for the program before they can even begin working toward that guaranteed entry. That added layer of luck, plus the extra cost, is what has upset so many longtime participants. While NYRR says the changes should make qualifying races easier to access, some runners feel the program is becoming less accessible overall.

NYRR says they are trying to make the 9+1 path more manageable by limiting how many people can participate. For those who are selected, that could mean less competition for qualifying races and volunteer spots, making it easier to actually complete the requirements and secure guaranteed entry into the NYC Marathon.

But the new drawing and added $99 fee may also change the equation for some runners. Will fewer people decide the 9+1 program is worth pursuing? Will some longtime participants opt out now that getting into the program itself is no longer guaranteed?

We’d love to hear from runners who have used 9+1 in the past or were planning to. Does this new system change whether you’ll participate, or do you think the easier path to completing 9+1 makes the extra step and fee worth it?

What to Read Next?

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Multi-Vehicle Crash in Ocala Temporarily Closes Roads, Police Say | Miami Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

Ocala police responded to a multi-vehicle crash Sunday night that temporarily blocked traffic at a busy intersection.

The August 23, 2026 collision occurred at South Pine Avenue and Southeast 17th Street. Authorities said no one involved suffered life-threatening injuries.

What Happened in the Ocala Multi-Vehicle Crash?

According to the Ocala Police Department, officers responded to the intersection of South Pine Avenue and Southeast 17th Street at approximately 10 p.m. Sunday.

Multiple vehicles were involved in the collision.

The crash blocked the roadways while police and emergency personnel responded to the scene. Authorities later confirmed that the roads had reopened.

Police said there were no life-threatening injuries among the people involved.

Officials have not released additional information regarding the number of vehicles or people involved.

Cause of the Crash Has Not Been Released

Authorities have not provided details about what caused the collision or the sequence of events leading up to it.

Multi-vehicle crashes can be particularly complicated because investigators may need to determine how the initial collision occurred and whether it triggered additional impacts.

Depending on the circumstances, investigators may examine vehicle positions and damage, roadway evidence, witness statements, traffic or surveillance camera footage and electronic data from the vehicles.

No citations or determinations regarding responsibility have been publicly announced.

Determining Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Accident

Liability can become complicated when several vehicles are involved in the same crash.

For example, one driver’s actions could cause an initial collision that pushes another vehicle into a third. In other circumstances, multiple drivers may have independently contributed to the accident.

Investigators may consider whether drivers were speeding, following too closely, distracted, impaired, failing to yield or otherwise violating traffic laws.

The available information does not indicate that any of these factors contributed to Sunday’s Ocala crash.

Although police reported no life-threatening injuries, people involved in motor vehicle accidents can sometimes experience symptoms that become more noticeable in the hours or days following a collision.

Depending on the force and circumstances of a crash, injuries may involve the neck, back, head, shoulders or other areas of the body.

Medical documentation can also become important if an injured person later needs to establish that treatment and expenses resulted from the collision.

Potential Compensation After a Florida Multi-Vehicle Crash

When another driver’s negligence causes an accident, an injured person may potentially have the right to seek compensation for accident-related losses.

Depending on the circumstances and severity of the injuries, recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost income, future treatment costs, pain and suffering, and other losses available under Florida law.

Florida’s modified comparative negligence system can become particularly relevant in multi-vehicle accidents because responsibility may potentially be divided among more than one person.

The existence and value of any claim depend on the specific facts of the collision and the injuries involved.

Insurance Issues Can Be More Complicated With Multiple Vehicles

Crashes involving several vehicles can also involve multiple insurance policies.

Determining available coverage may require identifying each vehicle’s owner and driver, applicable liability policies and the role each vehicle played in the collision.

Florida’s no-fault insurance system can also affect how certain medical expenses and lost wages are initially handled following an accident.

For people who suffer more serious injuries, identifying every potentially responsible party and available source of insurance coverage can become especially important.

Preserving Evidence After a Multi-Vehicle Accident

Evidence from the scene can help determine how a chain-reaction or multi-vehicle collision occurred.

Potentially relevant evidence may include:

Photographs and videos from the crash scene
Vehicle damage and final resting positions
Witness statements
Traffic and surveillance camera footage
Dash-camera recordings
Tire marks and roadway debris
Electronic vehicle data
Police reports
Medical and emergency response records

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses can sometimes be overwritten relatively quickly, making timely preservation particularly important when the circumstances of a collision are disputed.

Roadways Reopen Following Ocala Crash

The intersection of South Pine Avenue and Southeast 17th Street has reopened following Sunday night’s multi-vehicle collision.

Ocala police said the crash occurred at approximately 10 p.m. and temporarily blocked the roadways while authorities responded.

No life-threatening injuries were reported. Officials have not released further information about what caused the crash or how many vehicles were involved.

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MLB Players’ Weekend 2026 Bats, Gear From Julio Rodriguez, Elly De La Cruz, More Revealed in Photos

Spider-Man, Star Wars, Skittles and Ninja Turtles, oh my!

This weekend is MLB Players’ Weekend, which allows players across the league to express their interests through their bats, gloves and cleats on the field.

It gives fans a unique glance at what the players like and is all for a charitable cause.

Here’s a look at some of the most notable looks from Julio Rodríguez, Cam Schlittler and more:

While the bats and gloves are interesting on their own, it is also for a good cause. Fans will have the chance to win the gear through MLB Auctions with the proceeds going to the charitable benefit of the players’ choice.

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