World Cup matches played in potentially dangerous heat as players’ union makes climate warning

Nine of the group stage games played in severe heat, analysis finds, as union points to lessons for the whole sport

Nine matches in the World Cup group stage were played amid potentially dangerous heat and humidity, a Guardian analysis shows, as global players' union Fifpro warned that heat would have to play a bigger part" in the sport's future scheduling decisions.

The findings come as likely record-breaking heat and humidity will hit the midwest and eastern US this week and could make conditions even more challenging for players and fans at some games.