England players arrived in Florida for World Cup training this week to find temperatures so extreme that the UN Climate Change executive secretary has warned of “heat stroke” and other serious health dangers. The warning came as Thomas Tuchel confirmed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as England’s vice-captain for the tournament, with Harry Kane leading the side.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, said the weather conditions at the 2026 World Cup “provide a major threat” directly linked to climate change. “We’re all watching the game, but it’s stopped – because it’s too hot. Hot for players, for fans, for everyone,” Stiell said. “It’s hot and getting hotter. That’s not random. That’s climate change.”
“England stars warned of heatstroke risk at World Cup as Rice named vice-captain.”
The tournament, which runs from 11 June to 19 July across the US, Canada and Mexico, is the biggest yet with 48 teams. FIFA has introduced heat breaks, reviewed kick-off times since the Club World Cup, and will use three indoor stadiums after FIFPro raised concerns about temperatures during games.
USA midfielder Malik Tillman added: “I know wild fires become more frequent and this is because of the climate change. We as human beings have to adapt certain things to make sure that future generations get to enjoy those memories as well and protect the sport we all love.”
England’s preparations have been complicated by the absence of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will miss the World Cup. Tuchel has named Rice as his vice-captain for the summer, the Arsenal star getting the nod ahead of other candidates. The Three Lions face Costa Rica in their final friendly before the group stage.
With temperatures expected to rise further during the tournament, Stiell urged football fans to speak up. “If people who love football speak up to protect it from climate impacts like extreme heat, it will be a game-changer,” he said. “Because this isn’t just about saving sport. It’s about protecting the world sport depends on – that we all depend on.”