93% of World Cup matches to be played in temperate that will lower player performance

A new study from Climate Central has suggested that extreme temperatures in the Americas this summer will impact the World Cup.

The tournament is held across Canada, the USA and Mexico, with the latter two regularly seeing temperatures over 30 degrees.

Previous studies have found that playing above 28 degrees drastically hampers player performance and slows down games and therefore their quality.

Climate Central have modelled the 104 matches at the tournament and have found that 97 of them, or 93%, will be played in temperatures above 28 degrees.

They add that the hottest match will be between Spain and the US in Mexico in their third group game.

A spokesperson said: “Of all the matches, climate change increases the likelihood of performance-affecting heat during the June 26 match in Guadalajara between Uruguay and Spain the most.”

One of the players competing at the tournament, Norway and Cremonese’s Morten Thorsby is part of Climate Central.

He commented: “This makes it clear that the increase in temperatures not only poses a serious risk to the health of players and fans, but is also beginning to affect the quality of the game itself.”

He is also part of a group who have sent a letter to FIFA requesting that heat protocols are strengthened, with a drinks break during each half so far added.

Many stadiums will also be played with closed roofs and air conditioning, a factor the study appears to omit.