2026 FIFA World Cup expansion and climate challenges
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This edition marks a historic shift as 48 teams will participate, resulting in an increased number of matches organized into 12 groups. The tournament begins on June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa. FIFA and health experts have expressed significant concern regarding extreme heat conditions, with climate reports suggesting one in four matches could face dangerous temperatures. Proposed safety measures include mandatory hydration breaks, increased medical support, and potential policies to move substitutes into climate-controlled areas during matches. Teams such as France, Argentina, England, and Spain are among the top favorites, while the tournament's scale has necessitated complex scheduling across different time zones. UN climate officials have warned that the heat may negatively impact the tournament's overall pace and player endurance.