- 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.
