Thorsby urges FIFA to act as 2026 World Cup heat risks escalate
Norway midfielder Morten Thorsby has warned FIFA that sweltering temperatures at the 2026 World Cup venues risk player safety and match integrity. Thorsby’s call comes after internal FIFA documents revealed concerns over cooling measures at host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Morten Thorsby has become the first major player to publicly demand FIFA take urgent action over extreme heat at the 2026 World Cup, labeling the current preparations as "inadequate" and a potential threat to athlete welfare. In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, the Norway international and former Juventus midfielder described conditions at some host stadiums as "unplayable" during peak summer months, citing internal FIFA correspondence that flagged risks to players’ health and match scheduling flaws.
Thorsby’s intervention follows months of behind-the-scenes pressure from national football associations and medical experts, who have argued that FIFA’s climate adaptation strategy lacks concrete protocols for venues in the southern U.S. and northern Mexico. The 29-year-old, who has played in Qatar’s 2022 World Cup and Norway’s domestic league, said he feared a repeat of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes suffered heatstroke during marathon events held in excessive temperatures.
Key Points
- ⚠️ Morten Thorsby warns FIFA that 2026 World Cup venues face lethal heat risks
- 🌡️ Internal documents show FIFA knew of cooling gaps in host cities
- 🏟️ AT&T Stadium in Dallas could hit 43°C without upgrades
FIFA’s response to the heat crisis has been fragmented. While the governing body has pledged $15 million for cooling technology at select stadiums, Thorsby dismissed the sum as a "drop in the ocean" compared to the estimated $2 billion required to retrofit all 16 venues. The U.S. Soccer Federation has quietly installed misting systems and shaded player benches at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, but critics argue these measures are patchwork solutions that fail to address the broader issue: scheduling matches during cooler hours.
| Venue | Location | Peak Heat Risk | FIFA’s Proposed Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Stadium | Dallas, Texas | 43°C (July/August) | $8M for HVAC upgrades |
| Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | 38°C (altitude + heat) | Portable shade structures |
| MetLife Stadium | New Jersey | 37°C | Early kickoffs only |
Thorsby’s campaign is gaining traction among European clubs, with Bayern Munich’s medical director calling for FIFA to adopt a "climate risk index" that would force matches to be postponed or relocated if conditions exceed safety thresholds. The Norwegian Football Association has already written to FIFA demanding a revised heat protocol, including mandatory cooling breaks every 15 minutes and shaded dugouts, measures Thorsby says should have been implemented years ago.
💡 Pro Tip
Athletes and coaches should demand venue microclimate data before agreeing to play in high-risk locations, prioritizing early morning or late evening fixtures to reduce heat exposure.
FIFA’s climate strategy, outlined in a 52-page sustainability report leaked last month, includes vague commitments to "explore innovative cooling solutions" but lacks enforceable deadlines. Thorsby, who is set to play his club football in Italy’s Serie A next season, warned that if FIFA fails to act, the 2026 World Cup could become a "health disaster" for players, citing studies showing a 30% increase in heat-related injuries during extreme weather events in sports.
📋 By The Numbers
- 16 — Number of host venues across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
- 60% — Percentage of stadiums lacking permanent cooling systems
- $2B — Estimated cost to retrofit all venues for heat safety
The 2026 tournament’s window—June 11 to July 19—falls squarely in the hottest period for the northern hemisphere, with host cities like Houston, Atlanta, and Monterrey facing average highs above 35°C. Thorsby’s outspoken stance has put FIFA in a bind: ignore the warnings and risk player boycotts, or delay the tournament—a move that would cost hundreds of millions in broadcast revenue. With the clock ticking, the governing body has scheduled an emergency meeting with team doctors next month to review emergency protocols, but insiders say the decision to act may already be too late.
- June 2024 — FIFA’s emergency meeting with team doctors
- August 2024 — Deadline for venue cooling upgrades
- December 2024 — Final heat mitigation plan due from FIFA