How the ‘heat dome’ in the US is affecting the FIFA Club World Cup
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Heatwave at Club World Cup serves as warning for next summer
- A punishing heatwave is significantly impacting the current FIFA Club World Cup, causing players to struggle and teams to implement extreme measures like using air-conditioned locker rooms for substitutes.
- Athletes describe the heat as 'impossible,' leading to cut-short practices, while fans endure challenging conditions, prompting health warnings due to risks like dehydration and heat stroke.
- FIFA mandates cooling breaks when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature reaches 89.6 degrees, a practice that became more common after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and was first introduced at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- The current heat serves as a stark preview for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where many host cities experience high summer temperatures and potential hurricane seasons.
- This heatwave highlights a growing climate challenge for future FIFA tournaments, including the 2030 World Cup and 2027 Women's World Cup, drawing criticism from groups like Fossil Free Football for FIFA's scheduling and sponsorship choices.