The 2026 World Cup is projected to be the hottest on record, with climate experts warning that approximately one in four games could be played in very hot conditions, potentially affecting both players and fans. Several venues, including Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Mexican cities, are expected to experience average daytime temperatures of 28C, with around 26 matches potentially reaching or exceeding 26C on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index. While 17 of these high-risk matches will be in air-conditioned stadiums, more than a third will be in venues without cooling. Concerns about heat stress, dehydration, and fatigue are raised, though players and teams are expected to acclimatize, and FIFA has implemented measures like hydration breaks and delayed kickoff times to mitigate risks.