Science Weekly: heat stroke, sports washing, and the psychology of VAR: the science of the World Cup – podcast

About this episode

The episode discusses the science behind the upcoming 2026 World Cup, focusing on heat concerns, environmental impact, and the psychology of VAR.

It’s just a week until the first whistle of the 2026 World Cup. To celebrate, Madeleine Finlay sits down with Ian Sample to discuss the science behind the tournament. It’s set to be one of the hottest World Cups on record and a group of scientists has written to Fifa asking them to reconsider their heat mitigations for players and referees. Dr Oliver Gibson of Brunel University outlines their concerns. Also on the agenda is the huge fossil fuel impact of this tournament, and the impact of VAR on the psychology of referees, and fans. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod . Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

People in this episode

Host: Madeleine Finlay

Guest: Ian Sample

Topics covered

• World Cup
• heat stroke
• sports washing
• psychology of VAR
• fossil fuel impact
• scientific concerns

Keywords

• World Cup
• heat stroke
• sports washing
• VAR
• psychology
• fossil fuels
• scientific concerns

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Fifa, Brunel University

More episodes of Football Weekly

• Joy for Jiménez and Mexico as co-hosts make ideal start: World Cup Daily · June 12, 2026 · 46 min
• World Cup 2026 preview: Groups I-L – Football Weekly · June 10, 2026 · 53 min
• World Cup 2026 preview: Groups E-H – Football Weekly · June 9, 2026 · 53 min
• World Cup 2026 preview: Groups A-D – Football Weekly · June 8, 2026 · 54 min
• Women’s Football Weekly: Manchester City do the double and Jill Scott joins Faye and Suzy · June 3, 2026 · 49 min
• PSG break Arsenal’s hearts and Arne Slot out at Liverpool – Football Weekly · June 1, 2026 · 53 min