The impact of altitude on World Cup 2026: ‘Running back and taking a breath is what costs you’

The Impact of Altitude on World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup, with several games hosted in Mexico at high altitudes, presents unique challenges for players. The physical demands of playing at altitude can noticeably affect athletes' performance, especially in terms of their breathing and stamina.

How Altitude Affects Players

At higher elevations, the air contains less oxygen, which means athletes have to work harder to get the oxygen their muscles need. This directly impacts endurance and recovery during play. Players find that even running back to defend and catching their breath uses up more energy than usual.

"Running back and taking a breath is what costs you," a player noted, emphasizing the toll altitude takes on the body.

These conditions can alter the usual rhythm and pace of the game, as players may tire faster and need more time to recover between actions.

Specific Challenges in Mexico

Cities like Mexico City sit over 2,000 meters above sea level. At these elevations, the oxygen shortage intensifies, affecting both local and visiting teams. Teams that are unaccustomed to these conditions typically find it more difficult to maintain their usual performance levels.

Adaptation Strategies

To mitigate the impact of altitude, some teams arrive earlier to acclimate, using training sessions to adjust their breathing and pacing. Despite these efforts, the physiological strain remains a crucial factor during matches.

The high altitude of Mexico's World Cup venues will challenge players' endurance, as even brief recovery moments use more energy, affecting overall game performance.

The New York Times — 2025-12-07