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Report: Extreme heat is a growing threat to venues for the 2026 World Cup

According to a study that highlights extreme weather risks, the 2026 World Cup in North America could be its last without urgent climate adaption.

The "Pitches in Peril Report" found that 10 out of 16 venues were at a very high risk for extreme heat stress.

By 2050, 90% of North America's stadiums will need to be adapted to extreme heat and a third will have a water shortage or demand that is equal to or greater than the supply.

The report examined the effects of climate change on grassroots soccer fields that were once used by 18 legendary players.

As a Spaniard, I cannot ignore the climate crises," said Spain's World Cup winner Juan Mata in reference to last year's devastating Valencia flooding.

"Football is a great way to bring people together. But it also reminds us of the dangers we face."

The conditions at this year's Club World Cup, held in the U.S., were described by players as "impossible".

Extreme heat and storms forced FIFA, the world's soccer governing body, to change its protocols. They added water and cooling breaks as well as shaded benches and fans.

The report states that 14 of 16 World Cup Stadiums in the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico will exceed safe-play thresholds by 2025 in at least three climate hazards: extreme heat, unplayable rain, and flooding.

Thirteen already exceed the FIFA threshold of 32degC for drinks breaks - a globally recognised index that measures heat stress on humans in direct sunlight.

Atlanta, Dallas Houston, Kansas City Miami Monterrey and Monterrey have all had temperatures that are higher than this mark for at least two months.

Dallas (31 days), Houston (51) and other cities are the worst affected.

Climate risks are not limited to elite venues. While Dallas and Houston will reduce heat through roofs, they also extend beyond these stadiums.

According to the report, forward Mo Salah’s Egyptian home pitch could experience more than one month of unbearable heat each year. Meanwhile, William Troost-Ekong’s childhood pitch in Nigeria could see 338 extreme days of heat by 2050.

Piers Forster is the director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures, a Leeds-based centre that studies climate change.

The 96-page document urges the soccer sector to commit to zero carbon emissions by 2040, publish decarbonisation plans that are credible and calls tournament organizers to create adaption funds.

The report also stated that 91% of the 3,600 fans surveyed across the three host countries want the World Cup in 2026 to be a role model for sustainability. (Reporting and editing by Ken Ferris; Martyn Herman)

(source: Reuters)