- ‘Space Jackets’ Help World Cup Stars Beat Scorching Heat at 2026 Tournament
As soaring temperatures continue to grip the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, teams are turning to cutting-edge cooling technology to help players cope with the extreme conditions and maintain peak performance.
With several host cities experiencing temperatures close to 38°C (100°F), alongside high humidity and frequent thunderstorms, managing body temperature has become as important as tactics and fitness during the knockout stages of the tournament.
One of the most eye-catching innovations has been the use of silver reflective jackets nicknamed “space jackets” which have been worn by players before matches. South Africa’s squad drew attention when they lined up for the national anthem wearing the futuristic-looking garments ahead of their opening game against Mexico.
The jackets form part of Adidas’ Climacool system, a performance-enhancing technology designed to lower both skin and core body temperatures. The package also includes cooling vests and specially designed overshoes, all aimed at helping players recover faster and stay comfortable in the intense heat.
According to Adidas’ Director of Athlete Performance, Margherita Raccuglia, the company has spent more than a decade developing cooling solutions for elite athletes. Research began in 2012 before cooling vests were introduced for athletes competing at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The technology was first introduced in Formula One at the start of the 2025 season, where Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli used the reflective jackets to remain cool before races in the Middle East.
Following positive feedback from Formula One, Adidas adapted the system specifically for football by redesigning the cooling vests and adding overshoes that help reduce foot temperature, preventing swelling and improving comfort inside football boots.
Ahead of the World Cup, the company worked with leading clubs including Manchester United F.C., Arsenal F.C. and Juventus F.C. to refine the equipment for footballers, who need to wear and remove the garments quickly during training sessions, half-time and post-match recovery.
Fourteen national teams at the tournament, including Argentina national football team, Spain national football team, Germany national football team and Mexico national football team, have been supplied with the cooling equipment.
Spain’s medical staff have already praised the technology, saying the cooling vests help lower players’ body temperatures after training and accelerate recovery, while they can also be worn before kick-off and during half-time to reduce fatigue.
The oversized reflective jackets create what Adidas describes as a “cooling microclimate” around the body by trapping chilled air inside while reflecting external heat away from the player. The company says the system can reduce core body temperature by up to 0.5°C and lower skin temperature by as much as 13°C.
The newly developed cooling overshoes also play an important role by reducing foot temperature by approximately 2°C within minutes, helping players remain comfortable during matches played in sweltering conditions.
The technology has already received strong approval from several teams, with Spain reportedly providing highly positive feedback and some players requesting to continue using the equipment after the World Cup with their club sides.
As climate conditions continue to challenge athletes across global sport, Adidas believes the cooling technology could soon expand beyond football and Formula One into sports such as tennis, volleyball, hockey and athletics.
