adidas has unveiled a new performance technology called the CLIMACOOL SYSTEM, designed to help football players cope with extreme heat during the FIFA World Cup 2026. With matches expected to take place in high-temperature cities across North America, the system focuses on keeping athletes cooler, improving endurance, and maintaining peak performance throughout games.
The technology was originally developed for motorsport drivers, where managing extreme heat inside high-speed racing environments is critical. adidas has now adapted the system for football after extensive testing with top clubs including Manchester United, Juventus, and Arsenal. The goal is to transfer proven cooling science from racing into elite sports performance on the football pitch.
The CLIMACOOL SYSTEM is made up of three main parts: a cooling vest, an insulating jacket, and a specialized overshoe. Each component plays a different role in regulating body temperature and reducing heat stress during training and matches. Together, they are designed to help athletes stay physically stable in demanding weather conditions.
The cooling vest is the core of the system. It contains a frozen gel layer that slowly melts over time, releasing controlled cooling across key areas of the body such as the torso, back, and abdomen. This helps lower core body temperature gradually rather than causing sudden discomfort. According to adidas, the vest can reduce core temperature by up to 0.5°C.
The insulating jacket works alongside the vest by trapping cool air and slowing down heat absorption from the environment. Its air-resistant design helps extend the cooling effect, ensuring players remain comfortable for longer periods, especially during warm-up sessions and halftime breaks.
The third component, the overshoe, focuses specifically on the feet, which are heavily involved in constant movement during football matches. It can reduce foot temperature by around 2°C in just seven minutes while still allowing players to maintain full control, balance, and sensitivity needed for passing, dribbling, and shooting.
adidas says this system is not only about comfort but also performance. By reducing heat stress, players can maintain focus, recover faster during breaks, and reduce the risk of fatigue in intense match conditions. This is especially important for the World Cup 2026, where games will be played in cities like Miami, Dallas, and Monterrey, all known for high temperatures.
The CLIMACOOL SYSTEM also fits into adidas’ wider World Cup strategy, which includes advanced federation kits made with CLIMACOOL+ materials, the TRIONDA Official Match Ball featuring Connected Ball Technology, and lightweight F50 Hyperfast Evo boots designed for speed and agility.
By supplying the CLIMACOOL SYSTEM to all adidas-sponsored national teams, the brand is reinforcing its push toward performance-driven innovation. The aim is to ensure athletes can compete at the highest level, even under some of the most physically demanding conditions in modern football.
