While 2026 World Cup teams will have professional medical and hydration support to manage North American heat and humidity, researchers at the University of Portsmouth worry that traveling fans are far more vulnerable.⁣ ⁣ In a heat chamber mimicking Miami-like conditions, lecturer Tom Williams used a treadmill in 35-36C temperatures to demonstrate the physiological impact of heat stress.⁣ ⁣ Associate Professor Joe Costello noted that while elite players are well-protected, fans in queues and fan zones face greater exposure to conditions measured by the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature. ⁣ ⁣ The resulting heat stress can lead to symptoms ranging from dizziness and cramps to potentially fatal heat stroke, as experts advise fans to seek shade, stay hydrated and wear the correct clothing.⁣ ⁣ #worldcup #fifa #us #heatwave #climatescience