‘It’s going to be extremely hot’: workers imperiled as sweltering World Cup temperatures are forecast

The 2026 World Cup is forecast to feature extremely hot temperatures, raising concerns for the health and safety of workers involved in the tournament. Labor advocates and scholars warn that unprotected workers could face significant heat-related injuries or worse. Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, highlighted the potential for severe health consequences if workers are not adequately protected from the heat during the Miami games. The tournament is scheduled to take place across several cities, many of which are expected to experience temperatures potentially exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). This situation underscores a broader issue of worker vulnerability in extreme weather conditions, particularly in large-scale international events where infrastructure and worker welfare often face scrutiny. Advocates are calling for robust safety measures and protections to be implemented to mitigate these risks for all personnel contributing to the event's success. The potential for heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses poses a direct threat to the well-being of thousands of workers, including stadium staff, construction crews, and service industry employees.