Preprint
Nation-and group-specific environmental stress at the 2026 2 FIFA World Cup
SportRxiv Preprints , Vol.29 April 2026
Society for Transparency, Openness, and Replication in Kinesiology
2026
Abstract
Due to the geographical range of the countries hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there will be considerable variation in the heat and altitude between venues. To establish the nation-specific variation in the likely environmental stress faced we calculated the expected wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) at kick off (average and maximum) and elevation for each group stage fixture. Group- and nation-specific data were subsequently calculated, and nations were ranked according to the environmental stress. Data showed that Group E will have the highest WBGTs (24.5ºC and 26.7ºC [maximum]) whereas Group G has the least thermally stressful draw. Group A has the highest median elevation (1,665m) and Group K has the greatest range (1,540m). Uruguay will play in the hottest median (27.0°C) WBGT, but France may face the highest maximum temperature (27.7°C). Türkiye will have the least thermally stressful draw. Thermal stress will increase for 20 nations and decrease for 11 nations over the group phase. Colombia has the largest total increase (12°C) whereas Uzbekistan has the largest increase between single fixtures (+8°C). Nine nations will play at moderate altitude with Mexico having the highest median elevation (2,257m). Uruguay has the most unfavourable draw when combing both environmental stressors. Based upon these data, players, officials and spectators will experience markedly different magnitudes of environmental stress depending on the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw. The differences are likely to result in variable impacts on the performance and health that require consideration when preparing for this competition.
Details
- Title
- Nation-and group-specific environmental stress at the 2026 2 FIFA World Cup
- Authors
- Daniel Snape Snape - Leeds Beckett UniversityRebecca Grace Vartan - University of ChichesterDavid Borg - University of the Sunshine CoastChristopher James Tyler (Corresponding Author) - University of Roehampton
- Publication details
- SportRxiv Preprints , Vol.29 April 2026
- Publisher
- Society for Transparency, Openness, and Replication in Kinesiology
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.51224/SportRxiv.848
- Copyright note
- Copyright (c) 2026 Daniel Snape, Rebecca Vartan, David Borg, Christopher Tyler (Author). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991246798002621
- Output Type
- Preprint
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