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

Article excerpt

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, labor advocates warn that workers across host cities face dangerous heat exposure, with temperatures forecast to exceed 90°F in several locations. Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, stressed the risks: "It's going to be extremely hot, and you just cannot leave people unprotected or you're going to deal with a lot of injuries." The tournament's construction and service workers, already vulnerable to exploitation, could suffer serious heat-related illnesses without adequate protections, prompting calls for mandatory safety standards.