HOT MATCHUP ⚽️: As the FIFA World Cup approaches, officials are issuing precautions for players and fans attending the games.
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HOUSTON, Texas – Over 100 people suffered heat-related illnesses on opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at a fan festival in Texas on Thursday.
The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management said more than 30,000 people attended the event and of that, 110 medical incidents were reported.
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Of those incidents, 85 people were treated at the onsite cooling center and returned to the festivities.
City officials said 27 people were treated in the onsite emergency medical center, and 21 of them were released.
Soccer Ball, Lawn, Goal – Sports Equipment, Ball, Soccer Field
(JONGHO SHIN / Getty Images)
Four others were taken to the hospital due to heat-related concerns requiring a higher level of care, according to Houston emergency management officials.
The Houston Host Committee and public safety officials took steps to address heat mitigation, including cooling stations, hydration stations, shade structures and air-conditioned spaces, according to city officials.
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“The medical team is fully prepared with facilities, staffing and protocols to address heat-related illnesses that may arise during the event,” the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management said in a statement.
Temperatures reached the low to mid-90s in the Houston area on Thursday.
Among the weather-related challenges facing teams, extreme heat poses a real threat to numerous locations hosting this year’s tournament.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 11: Performers dance during the Opening Ceremony ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Heat is the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., and many don’t realize how quickly heat illness can set in during periods of extreme heat.
When it is extremely hot outside, our bodies have a more difficult time staying cool and adapting to the weather. This can result in heat illness.
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Seven matches are planned to take place at Houston Stadium (NRG Stadium) between June 14 and July 4, according to FIFA.
The FIFA Fan Festival is held in Houston’s East Downtown neighborhood, known as EaDo.
Houston, TX – February 26, 2026: Aerial drone view of the downtown Houston skyline featuring modern skyscrapers and urban development in Houston, Texas.
(CRobertson / Getty Images)
“This vibrant, neighborhood in the heart of Houston’s soccer district has a rich history and an eclectic mix of thriving businesses and a multicultural sense of style, making it the perfect location to celebrate the world’s game,” as stated on FIFA.com.
The fan festival features an all-day experience of soccer, culture and community with live matches on massive scenes, surrounded by fans from around the globe.
The event will be held for 34 days during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA said each day is uniquely themed with live performances, interactive games and global food and drinks.
