North America faces the prospect of losing the chance to host the World Cup due to climate change

The 2026 World Cup could be the last to be held in North America if urgent climate change adaptation measures are not implemented in time, according to a new climate report called Pitches in Peril.

Illustrative image. (Source: VNA)

Specifically, the report indicates that 14 out of the 16 stadiums hosting the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico may not meet safety standards for playing this year.

Currently, these stadiums are all facing a high risk of extreme heat, heavy rain making matches impossible, and flooding.

To date, 13 stadiums on the list to host the 2026 World Cup have recorded at least one day this summer with temperatures exceeding 32°C according to the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index – used by the International Football Federation (FIFA) to determine when players should take a break from drinking water.

In addition, 10 stadiums recorded at least one day each summer reaching temperatures of 35°C according to the WBGT index. This is the temperature threshold that climate scientists have identified as the limit of human adaptation to extreme temperatures.

Meanwhile, cities including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, and Monterrey all experienced temperatures exceeding 32°C for more than two months.

According to forecasts, by 2050, nearly 90% of stadiums in North America will need renovation or solutions to withstand extreme heat. In addition, about one-third of venues will lack the capacity to meet water needs during the competition season.

Sharing his thoughts on the impact of climate change on sports , former World Cup champion Juan Mata emphasized that football has long been a bridge connecting people, and now it may serve as a reminder of the consequences of the climate crisis.

The Club World Cup, held in the United States from June 14th to July 13th this year, is seen as an early warning sign, with playing conditions described by the players as "beyond endurance."

Due to the intense heat and the risk of thunderstorms, FIFA had to adjust the event's organizational procedures, adding measures such as short breaks, water breaks between matches, and providing covered seating and cooling fans for the players.

However, the challenges of climate change are not limited to high-level competition venues but are also present on community pitches.

Specifically, the football pitch in striker Mo Salah's hometown of Egypt can endure more than a month of intense heat, rendering it unsuitable for matches each year.

Meanwhile, the football pitch where Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong played as a child is at risk of facing 338 days of extreme heat by 2050.

Piers Forster, Director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures in Leeds, warned that the challenges of climate change in this decade will be severe, requiring the implementation of timely measures such as shifting match times to winter or holding tournaments in cooler regions.

In addition, the 96-page report calls on the football industry to commit to net-zero emissions by 2040, develop credible emission reduction plans, and suggests that league organizers establish climate change adaptation funds.

Furthermore, a survey of over 3,600 fans in the three host countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—showed that 91% want the 2026 World Cup to become a model for sustainable development.

According to VNA

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/khu-vuc-bac-my-truc-vien-canh-mat-co-hoi-dang-cai-world-cup-do-bien-doi-khi-hau-261101.htm