The issue is not hard to see. Matches and watch parties are expected to unfold across hot-weather cities including Miami, Houston and Monterrey, where heat and humidity can turn a normal day out into a draining one.
Experts cited in the report say alcohol can worsen that strain by increasing urination, affecting judgement and dulling the body’s normal signals to cool down. Morris described that as a “hedonic effect” - feeling better for a moment while missing the warning signs.
The concern appears to stretch well beyond match tickets. Bars and fan gatherings are likely to be central to the tournament atmosphere, especially for early kick-offs and all-day viewing sessions. The report points to a packed venue in Los Angeles where $1,300 had reportedly been spent on alcohol before 9:20am during the Champions League final.
That matters because the risks are cumulative. Dr Lorenzo Leggio warned in the report that heavy drinking in the heat can have a “synergistic effect”, including thirst, headaches and dizziness. Fabiano Amorim also said alcohol consumed the night before may reduce the body’s ability to cope with heat the next day.
The report says the safest option is not to drink in extreme heat. If fans do, experts recommend:
As the 2026 tournament moves closer, one of the biggest off-pitch storylines may be how clearly organisers, venues and supporters treat heat as part of matchday planning - not an afterthought once the first whistle blows.