FAQ: How World Cup fans and workers can stay safe in the heat

Uruguay's Agustin Canobbio cools off during a hydration break in a World Cup soccer match against Saudi Arabia in Miami Gardens, Fla., on June 15, 2026. Dangerously hot, humid weather in the area prompted an extreme heat warning from the National Weather Service earlier in the day. Lynne Sladky/AP hide caption

The men's World Cup tournament runs through July 19th, and is drawing millions of fans, workers and players to stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico just as hot summer weather takes hold.

More than 1 in 3 World Cup matches are at risk for dangerously hot, humid conditions, according to an analysis by NPR . Climate change makes record-breaking heat waves more common.

That risk has been clear in the first week of the tournament. High humidity and temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit in Houston sent multiple fans to the hospital, according to reporting by Houston Public Media . Miami's first match was hosted on a day when the heat index, which captures both heat and humidity, was above 100 F, prompting an extreme heat warning from the National Weather Service. There were 10 heat-related medical calls at the stadium that day, with 2 of those calls requiring hospital transport, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

Here are 3 simple things you can do to prevent heat illness if you're working at or attending World Cup events.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe when it's very hot is to drink a lot of water. Your body cools down by sweating, so replacing that moisture is crucial.

"Access to water is a big one," says Jennifer Vanos, a heat researcher at Arizona State University, especially for people who will be out during the hottest part of the day.

Kansas City's set for a sweltering World Cup. Here's how fans can stay safe at games and the festival