adidas has repurposed thermal management technology co-developed with Mercedes-AMG Petronas for football, deploying a three-piece cooling system at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Vest, insulating jacket and overshoe: adidas has unveiled a three-component cooling system designed to lower players’ core body temperature during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which kicks off on June 11 across the US, Canada and Mexico.
The Climacool System works in two stages. The vest, worn over a player’s jersey, contains a specialized gel frozen before use. As it melts, it draws heat from the torso, abdomen and back.
A purpose-built insulating jacket worn over the vest traps cold air around the gel, extending its effect. Used together, the two components can reduce core body temperature by up to 0.5°C and skin temperature by as much as 13°C.
A separate overshoe, placed directly over the boot, uses a cooling gel to bring foot temperature down by 2°C within seven minutes – without affecting sensitivity or movement.
The system’s origins lie outside football altogether.
adidas developed the underlying technology in collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team to help drivers manage extreme heat inside the cockpit. Adapted over multiple years and tested and refined with elite clubs including Manchester United, Juventus and Arsenal, the technology was modified for football-specific requirements.
It will be necessary.
Conditions at several World Cup host venues are expected to exceed 30°C, with humidity compounding the stress in some cities. All adidas partner federations, representing 14 teams at the tournament, will receive the Climacool System as part of their equipment allocation.
adidas thinks 2026 is the moment to sell performance science
The through-line is consistent across this system, the sensor-connected match ball and the new F50 boot platform: adidas is using 2026 to position performance science as the organizing idea across its entire tournament offer.
FIFA World Cup 2026: The Business of the Beautiful Game
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