Heat and Humidity: The Hidden Weapon in the World Cup

The high temperatures and high humidity will be among the main challenges facing the teams in the 2026 World Cup. According to a report by The Guardian, the ability to physically adapt could make the difference between the winners and the losers.

The report recalled the ordeal of Liverpool and Scotland legend Graeme Souness in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where he lost more than 6 kilograms due to the heat and high altitude, to the extent that he could not complete the matches in full fitness.

The report indicated that harsh weather conditions will impose significant tactical changes on the teams, just as happened in the recent Club World Cup in the United States. Chelsea and Atletico Madrid players suffered from severe fatigue, while Argentine Enzo Fernandez revealed he experienced dizziness during one of the matches due to the high temperatures.

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill emphasized that playing with a high-pressing style for the full 90 minutes has become nearly impossible under these conditions, noting that ball retention and controlling the tempo of the match will be more important than continuous running. The team's coach at the time, Enzo Maresca, also explained that his team intentionally applied strong pressure in the opening minutes against Paris Saint-Germain before shifting to a calmer pace to conserve energy.