The FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. What this means for fans (and players) is they’ll be moving from the dry heat of Mexico to the cool Canadian air to the humid, hot weather in the deep South. And this could all be within a week. For fans, the climate will make a big impact on their experience. Understanding the different climates across North America will help explain why some teams will struggle, and others will thrive.

The Role Heat Will Play

These are the cities expected to have extremely hot, humid temperatures, with temperatures reaching the mid 90s (or even above 100 degrees Fahrenheit) and the humidity above 85% on most days:

• Atlanta
• Miami
• Houston
• Dallas

Fans visiting these cities should hydrate throughout the day, try to spend time in the shade, and avoid taking long hikes. For players, the heat could have a huge impact on their performances. Football demands a lot of physical stamina, with players covering about 6-10 miles every game. The added heat and humidity could be potentially dangerous.

In 2022, the World Cup was moved from the summer to the winter in Qatar to avoid the extreme heat. For the 2026 World Cup tournament, specific measures are being taken to help deal with the extreme heat.

• Players will get 3-minute hydration breaks through each half of the game.
• Teams will be allowed up to 5 substitutions.
• Staff and substitutes will have access to climate-controlled benches at outdoor matches.

Fortunately, Dallas’s AT&T Stadium, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Houston’s NRG Stadium are climate-controlled venues, which will make them safer spaces for players.

Humidity May Be Worse Than the Heat

While the dry heat of Mexican cities will be difficult, it’s the humidity that will be more draining. Since high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating properly, cooling becomes more difficult for players.

Humidity can affect the tempo of games as well, forcing aggressive teams to pull back a little to conserve their energy. Teams playing in hot, humid cities may also be forced to adapt their playing style to the weather.

Humidity will have an impact on the crowds, too. Fans traveling from one humid city to another may underestimate how physically draining the humidity can be. Even walking a few miles to the stadium can be exhausting.

Altitude in Mexico

Fans and players traveling between Mexico and the Southern part of the United States may be in for a shock. Mexico City sits about 7,350 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level. The thinner air at this altitude reduces the availability of oxygen in the blood and affects endurance. Players not accustomed to playing at high altitude may suffer from symptoms of altitude sickness. Teams may also struggle during the second half of the game.

People may not think about the physics of high altitudes, but because the air has less resistance, footballs will travel farther and faster through the air. What this means for goalkeepers is that they will need extra training sessions to adjust to this new speed.

Fans will need to adjust as well. Fans who haven’t yet acclimated to the high altitude level may also suffer from altitude sickness. For both fans and players, it’s important to arrive a few days before and acclimate to the new altitude before doing any intense physical activity.

Cooler Cities Could Benefit High-Intensity Teams

Fortunately, there are cooler host cities. The cities with mild to cool summer temperatures include:

• Seattle
• Vancouver
• Toronto
• San Francisco

This weather will benefit any teams that rely on nonstop pressure, speed, and fast, aggressive plays. Moreover, cooler weather will allow teams to maintain that intensity over a full match.

Read more: What to pack for a World Cup trip in North America

For supporters, the cooler weather will make it an enjoyable and fun experience. They can watch matches and explore the cities, without the weather becoming a concern.

Travel Demands May Become Exhausting

For players traveling from a cool city to a hot, humid one, it could become exhausting. Teams will be flying thousands of miles between matches. Fans following specific teams or attending multiple games will be doing the same.

Jet lag, recovering schedules, and differing climates can eventually take their toll. For example, South Africa will play in Mexico City on June 11th, at an altitude of 7,350 feet above sea level. The team will then fly to Atlanta (hot, humid weather) to play against Czechia on June 18th. This sudden climate change can be jarring and will affect their sleep and training intensity.

Fans making similar trips will need to pack for two or three types of climates. A fan attending a match in Houston, Seattle, and Toronto will experience three different weather patterns.

Kickoff Times Will Be Important in the Heat

Because New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Miami have hot, humid summers and open-air stadiums, there may be a lot of debate around changing the kickoff times. This will be especially true if temperatures climb to the upper 90s. In some cases, it may be necessary to switch to night matches.

Read more: Which World Cup stadiums require the longest travel time

How Weather Will Define the Tournament

Every World Cup intertwines the weather. In 2010, the altitude in South Africa was a major concern. England’s defender, John Terry, was especially vocal about it. In 2014, it was Brazil’s humidity. And of course, in 2022, Qatar had to move the games to the winter.

Although the 2026 games will remain during the summer, fans and players can expect some changes during the tournament on account of the heat and humidity.

Final Thoughts

Every World Cup brings new challenges. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring heat, humidity, altitude, and large travel distances. For players and fans, preparation will be crucial.