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Heat and altitude conditions could help England in World Cup 2026
Researchers from universities, including Dr Daniel Snape from Leeds Beckett University, have analysed the weather and altitude conditions for every group-stage match. Key findings include:
- Around one-third of matches could be played in very hot conditions.
- France, Uruguay and Czechia are expected to face the toughest combination of heat and altitude.
- England avoids the most challenging conditions, although temperatures are still expected to rise during the tournament.
- Scotland could experience one of the biggest increases in temperatures between matches.
Heat and altitude conditions can affect sprinting and physical performances, recovery between matches, decision-making and concentration, and the overall match intensity.
Dr Daniel Snape is a Research Fellow in Sport and Exercise Physiology in Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Sport. He says more should be done to help teams prepare:
“Our research shows that environmental factors such as heat and altitude should be considered a fundamental part of tournament preparation, alongside technical, tactical and physical readiness. As major competitions are increasingly staged in challenging climates, teams that plan effectively for these conditions may gain a significant advantage.
“The impact extends beyond the players on the pitch. Match officials are also affected, with high temperatures known to influence concentration and decision-making. Ensuring everyone involved is properly prepared will be an important consideration for future tournaments.”
England will avoid the severe combination of heat and altitude that some other nations will face with Turkey, Australia and New Zealand also faring better.
Columbia faces the biggest increase in temperatures across its group games, Mexico will play at the highest altitude, and Group E is expected to be the hottest group.
The research was led by Dr Daniel Snape at Leeds Beckett and Dr Chris Tyler at Roehampton University, in collaboration with the University of Chichester and the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
Hardest vs Easiest Group-Stage Conditions
Hardest:
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Uruguay |
Highest combined heat and altitude burden. Hottest median WBGT (27°C) and final fixture at altitude in Guadalajara. |
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France |
Faces the highest projected maximum temperatures (27.7°C). Top two ranking for expected thermal stress |
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Czechia |
The only nation required to play a fixture at altitude either side of sea-level. Little existing altitude adaptation among the squad. |
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Colombia |
Largest total increase (12°C) between fixtures. |
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Uzbekistan |
Largest increase between single fixtures (+8°C). Also faces games at altitude. |
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Easiest: |
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Türkiye |
Türkiye has the least thermally stressful draw, with the lowest projected median and maximum WBGT. |
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Australia |
Bottom ten ranks for all temperature variables and elevation. |
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New Zealand |
Bottom ten ranks for all temperature variables and for elevation. |
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Jordan |
The greatest within-group advantage, playing their group fixtures at lower expected median and maximum temperatures than other nations in the group.” |
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Paraguay |
Bottom ten for temperature and altitude exposure, so has the most favourable draws from a combined environmental stress perspective.” |
In this article
Daniel Snape
Dr Dan Snape, Research Fellow in Sport & Exercise Physiology, leads applied sport science support services for elite athletes, teams, military and civilian populations, specialising in heat and altitude acclimation, physiological profiling, and metabolic assessment. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate environmental physiology and exercise science, supervises MSc and PhD research projects, and mentors sport science professionals.
