A recent study highlights a severe and growing threat to the stadiums earmarked for the FIFA World Cup 2026 across North America: rapidly increasing temperatures. The host nations currently lack adequate strategies to adapt to these extreme conditions in time for the tournament, posing significant challenges for participating teams and overall event logistics.
According to the comprehensive study, many of the World Cup 2026 host venues are already in a perilous state, capable of causing immediate adverse effects on players. Specifically, ten out of the sixteen selected stadiums have been identified as high-risk zones due to projected severe heat increases, making it difficult for players to perform and adapt during matches. Looking further ahead to 2050, at least 90 percent of North American stadiums may require significant technological upgrades to cope with escalating temperatures. Furthermore, several venues are anticipated to face critical water scarcity, with demand potentially outstripping supply. The report also suggests that even the World Cup in 2030 could face similar climate change threats, particularly concerning the impact on pitch quality and player safety.
Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata, a World Cup winner with Spain, has also weighed in on the pressing issue of climate change. He stated, “As a person from Spain, I cannot remain indifferent to climate issues. Football always brings people together, but now it also warns us about what we stand to lose.” His remarks underscore the broader implications of environmental challenges on the sport.
Mata further cited the 2024 floods in Valencia, Spain, which disrupted football matches, as a stark example of climate impact. Beyond extreme heat in June and July, the North American region faces a diverse array of adverse weather conditions, including severe storms, thunder, lightning, and heavy rainfall in various states. This multifaceted climate challenge necessitates urgent and comprehensive solutions from FIFA. During the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, also held in North America, similar climatic issues were observed, prompting FIFA to implement cooling breaks during each half and provide cooling fans for coaching staff and players on the sidelines to mitigate the heat.
The report additionally warns that a staggering 14 out of the 16 stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico currently lack sufficient safety measures to effectively cope with these extreme weather phenomena, including persistent high temperatures, intense rainfall, and potential flooding. Cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, and Monterrey are specifically highlighted as regions that could experience two consecutive months of sustained high temperatures during the World Cup, further exacerbating the operational and safety challenges.
