The 2026 World Cup “could be the last World Cup of its kind in North America. Without significant adaptation, it is unlikely that future tournaments in North America will follow the same model as 2026 — with traditional summer scheduling, current infrastructure standards, and minimal climate protocols,” the “Pitches in Peril” report warned, reports 24brussels.
Extreme weather events and escalating heat-related health risks threaten the football industry, posing considerable challenges that impact not only individual events but also the sport’s overall future.
The “Pitches in Peril” report, released by Football for the Future, Common Goal, and Jupiter Intelligence, indicates that 14 of the 16 venues designated for the World Cup already exceed “safe-play thresholds” for extreme heat, unplayable rainfall, and flooding. By mid-century, nearly 90% of host stadiums are projected to encounter unsafe heat conditions, with 11 stadiums expected to experience unplayable heat.
The “safe-play” limit for extreme heat is set at 35°C (95°F), a threshold beyond which the body’s natural cooling system begins to fail, increasing the risk of heatstroke and dehydration for both players and spectators. Alarmingly, several of the locations slated for the 2026 World Cup are already recording temperatures that reach or surpass this critical threshold.
Topping the list of climate-vulnerable stadiums in North America are facilities in Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Monterrey, which are at risk of experiencing 100-160 days of unplayable heat by 2050. These cities also face threats from flash flooding, extreme winds, and water scarcity, according to the findings.
Another assessment published last November highlighted similar concerns regarding stadiums in Houston and Monterrey, warning of “unacceptable thermal stress” risks. The report noted that players face a “very high risk of experiencing extreme heat stress” at 10 of the 16 World Cup venues, where the combination of heat and strenuous exercise could lead to feel-like temperatures soaring to 49.5°C (121.1°F).
Disruptions
The report emphasizes that climate change is already disrupting football at all levels. In England, approximately 120,000 grassroots matches are canceled each year due to adverse weather conditions. By 2050, a quarter of professional clubs could face annual flooding risks.
The impacts extend beyond local games, with recent floods in Spain and severe weather events in the United States affecting elite league matches. Major tournaments are also feeling these effects, with the African Cup of Nations and various World Cup events needing rescheduling due to unsafe conditions. Most recently, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the US experienced delays due to record heat and severe thunderstorms.
The 2026 World Cup “could be the last World Cup of its kind in North America,” the report cautions.
“Without significant adaptation, it is unlikely that future tournaments in North America will follow the same model as 2026 — with traditional summer scheduling, current infrastructure standards, and minimal climate protocols,” it warns.
Climate Advocacy
A survey commissioned by the report’s authors revealed overwhelming support for enhanced climate action and sustainability among football fans. Ninety-one percent of 3,613 fans surveyed across the US, Mexico, and Canada believe that the World Cup should serve as a global model for sustainability in sports.
Additionally, 86% argued that clubs and governing bodies should advocate for climate action, even if they are still working on reducing their environmental impact. Meanwhile, 91% expressed pride in their clubs taking visible climate action.
For the authors of the report, football’s global visibility provides a unique opportunity to promote climate awareness and action.
“It’s time to give climate science the respect it deserves and to champion the values football embodies: belief, teamwork, accountability. Every club, player, fan, and organization has a role to play,” said Elliot Arthur-Worsop, Founding Director of Football For Future.
The report also includes recommendations to expedite climate action in the sport industry. These recommendations range from enforcing emissions targets and integrating adaptation strategies within both elite and grassroots infrastructure to allocating funds for climate initiatives benefiting host communities. The industry is urged to reduce its environmental footprint by establishing partnerships with sustainable sponsors, investing in climate-resilient grassroots facilities, and enhancing sustainable transport and clean energy infrastructure.