Most World Cup heat numbers include stadiums with roofs
22 June 2026
Remove domes and evening kickoffs from the group-stage heat table and most teams drop to zero. France is the only favourite with all three games in open-air afternoon sun. Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands carry no open-air afternoon heat load at all.
WBGT — wet-bulb globe temperature — is a single number that combines air temperature, humidity, wind and radiant heat from the sun. It is the standard heat-stress index used by FIFA and sports-medicine bodies to decide when conditions are dangerous for players. Above roughly 28°C WBGT, cooling breaks become mandatory; above 32°C, postponement is on the table.
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