A recent report, titled “Pitches in Peril,” warns that the 2026 World Cup in North America could be the last held without significant climate adaptation measures due to rising extreme weather risks. The study, conducted for Football for Future and Common Goals, reveals that 10 of the 16 proposed venues face very high risks of extreme heat stress, with almost 90% projected to need adaptations by 2050 to handle increased temperatures and water shortages.
The assessment highlights that 14 of the stadiums in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will exceed safety thresholds due to major climate risks by 2025. Rising summer temperatures have already affected play, exemplified by challenges faced during the Club World Cup last year. Notably, cities like Dallas and Houston are identified as on the brink of human adaptability to heat.
Juan Mata, the World Cup winner, emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis, referencing severe flooding in Valencia. The report calls for the football industry to commit to net-zero emissions by 2040 and establish adaptation funds, echoing fan support for sustainability in the upcoming tournament.
Source link
