FILE - Al Ain's Hazim Abbas, center, shields himself from the sun with other players before the Club World Cup Group G soccer match between Wydad AC and Al Ain FC in Washington, June 26, 2025.
The 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar was moved from summer to winter because of the threat of extreme heat. But if the record-breaking heat that scorched the Southwest in March is any indication, summer temperatures in cities hosting World Cup games this year could be sizzling. In Los Angeles, officials are planning temporary pop-up hydration stations, shade structures and a public messaging campaign on how to stay safe in the heat. For the Dallas games and related events, plans include tents with misters, water distribution and multiple first aid stations, and medical personnel will have immediate access to ice immersion bags and ice. In Seattle, city officials are looking into providing air-conditioned buses, tents and water misters.