Health warning for England fans attending team’s World Cup opener in Texas

SportsHealth & Fitness
14 May 2026 • 1:31 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Health warning for England fans attending team’s World Cup opener in Texas

  • Academics have warned that England supporters attending the World Cup opener against Croatia in Texas next month are highly vulnerable to health complications from extreme heat.
  • The main concern is for fans outside the air-conditioned AT&T Stadium, who face prolonged exposure to high temperatures while travelling, queuing, and at outdoor fan events.
  • Research by the World Weather Attribution group indicates a one in three probability of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) surpassing 28 degrees Celsius in Dallas for the 17 June match.
  • Dr Chris Millington from Imperial College London emphasised that spectators, due to their medical diversity and extended exposure, face greater danger than players.
  • While FIFA has introduced hydration breaks and a tiered heat mitigation model, academics suggest these measures are inadequate and advise reconsidering the timing of future World Cups.

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