With 48 teams competing across 16 cities in three countries, the 2026 World Cup presents unprecedented logistical challenges beyond on-field competition.
Experts warn that 10 of the tournament's venues face "very high risk" of extreme heat stress, with FIFA's safety thresholds under scrutiny.
Nearly half of the group-stage matches kick off between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. Central European Time, potentially disrupting sleep routines for many players.
AI-generated summary was reviewed by a CNN editor.
With the World Cup kicking off on June 11, anticipation is building for what will be the biggest tournament in the competition’s history.
