Live WBGT for Every Venue Hosting the 2026 World Cup
See real-time Wet Bulb Globe Temperature at all 16 host venues, understand FIFA's heat rules, and learn about WBGT.
Why heat is the story of the 2026 World Cup
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is the heat-stress index FIFA uses to decide when matches need cooling breaks. Unlike the air temperature alone, it combines heat, humidity, wind, and direct sun into one number that reflects how hard it is for the body to cool down.
The risk is real. During the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, 31 of the 57 outdoor matches analyzed were played at a WBGT of 82°F / 28°C or higher. Players and coaches repeatedly described the conditions as extreme, with some matches producing visible heat stress, cooling breaks, and reports of players asking to come off due to exhaustion.
FIFA's 2026 heat and cooling-break rules
For 2026, FIFA has standardized hydration breaks for every match and keeps a WBGT threshold for stronger action. Here is how the key numbers compare.
Live WBGT at every World Cup venue
Real-time conditions at each 2026 host stadium, streamed directly from the Zelus monitoring network. Refresh the page to update to the latest values.
Roofed venues such as AT&T Stadium in Dallas, NRG Stadium in Houston, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta can reduce on-pitch heat. Open-air stadiums in warm-climate cities, and any venue hosting an afternoon kickoff, tend to see the highest WBGT readings. WBGT shown is for location immediately outside the venue on public property.
Bring this monitoring to your venue or event
Zelus tracks WBGT, lightning, National Weather Service alerts, and air quality in real time, then alerts your team before conditions turn dangerous.
Frequently asked questions
What is WBGT?
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is a heat-stress index that combines air temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation into a single number. FIFA and most sports bodies use it to decide when conditions are unsafe and when cooling breaks are required.
What is FIFA's WBGT threshold for the 2026 World Cup?
Under special measures for this World Cup cooling breaks will happen regardless of temperature in games. In a streamlined and simplified version the referee will stop the game 22 minutes into each half to allow players to rehydrate. There will be no weather or temperature condition in place, with the breaks being called by the referee in all games, to ensure equal conditions for all teams, in all matches.
Which 2026 World Cup cities have the highest heat risk?
Open-air, warm-climate venues face the highest WBGT, including Miami, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, especially for afternoon kickoffs. Roofed venues such as AT&T Stadium, NRG Stadium, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium can reduce on-pitch heat stress.
How is WBGT different from the air temperature?
Air temperature measures only how hot the air is. WBGT also accounts for humidity, wind, and direct sun, so it reflects how hard it is for the body to cool itself. A WBGT of 89.6°F / 32°C can occur at an air temperature far higher than that.
What does Zelus monitor at venues, events, and worksites?
Zelus is a workplace and venue safety platform that tracks WBGT, lightning, National Weather Service alerts, and air quality in real time, then sends alerts so organizations and individuals can act before conditions become dangerous.