Researchers create app designed to help stay cool during FIFA World Cup 2026

Researchers at Georgia Tech are changing the game when it comes to staying cool while traveling in hot weather, creating a first-of-its-kind app that can be useful for people going to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.

A new idea for staying cool while traveling on foot or by bike is here: researchers at Georgia Tech University have designed an app that uses remote sensing data and transportation modeling to create "feels-like" temperature maps.

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These maps are based on the Universal Thermal Climate Index, which measures how the outdoor environment feels to the human body and also indicates the number of days with strong, very strong and extreme heat stress, according to the European Commission.

The app, called Cool Routes, does not just measure where it is hot; it also analyzes walking and cycling patterns to identify hot zones where people are most at risk, according to researchers at Georgia Tech.

As a result, people can make travel more comfortable and less of a health risk on days with extreme heat.

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This comes just in time, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup is here in the U.S., with millions of people from around the world visiting the country and spending time outdoors.

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The app is available in 10 U.S. World Cup host cities for people to try.

"Users will be able to compare different walking and biking options based on real-time temperature, shade and even the perceived distance," researchers at Georgia Tech said.

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Cool routes can help people unfamiliar with the intense heat find the safest, coolest routes when exploring new cities and watching the plethora of games.

The app aims to help visitors avoid the hottest areas and enjoy the best possible conditions.

On the opening day of the FIFA Fan Festival a few weeks ago, over 100 people suffered from heat exhaustion in Texas.

The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management said more than 30,000 people attended the event and of that, 110 medical incidents were reported.

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As over 70 million people will be under extreme heat alerts this week, Cool Routes has a unique opportunity to show people that sometimes taking a different route can lead to a more comfortable, less excruciating travel experience.