Tejal Somvanshi
The 2026 FIFA World Cup faces a serious problem: heat. The “Pitches in Peril” report finds that 14 of 16 host stadiums in the US, Canada, and Mexico exceed safe-play thresholds for at least one major climate hazard, with 10 at very high risk of extreme heat stress.
When temperatures hit 32°C WBGT (Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature), FIFA requires drinks breaks. At 35°C WBGT, human bodies struggle to shed metabolic heat under prolonged exposure. In 2025, the report shows 10 of 16 stadiums already breach safe-play heat limits.
The report classifies matchdays into “playable,” “playable with adaptation,” and “unplayable,” with several southern U.S. and northern Mexico venues ranking among the highest heat-risk locations.
2026 World Cup Climate Risk Dashboard
Explore the data from the “Pitches in Peril” report
Host Stadiums Climate Risk Map
Click on stadium locations to see risk details. 10 of 16 stadiums already breach safe heat limits.
Click on a stadium to see its climate risk details.
Color indicates risk level: ■ Low, ■ Medium, ■ High
Understanding Heat Risk
What is WBGT?
Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measures how heat affects the human body by combining temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation into a single value.
Move the slider to see impacts at different temperatures:
Current temperature: 32°C WBGT
Player Impact
At 32°C WBGT, players require mandatory cooling breaks. Physical performance decreases by approximately 10-15%.
Fan Experience
At 32°C WBGT, fans are at risk of heat exhaustion during extended exposure. Hydration stations and shaded areas become essential.
Venue Operations
At 32°C WBGT, venues must implement cooling strategies. Energy usage increases significantly for air conditioning and cooling systems.
Climate Adaptation Solutions
The report recommends several strategies to protect players, fans, and the future of football:
Schedule Changes
Moving matches to cooler times of day or scheduling tournaments in cooler seasons
Venue Adaptation
Improved cooling, shading, and water systems at stadiums and training facilities
Rule Modifications
Additional cooling breaks, reduced match length, and water breaks during extreme heat
Carbon Reduction
Net-zero commitments by 2040 and immediate decarbonization plans for football organizations
Adaptation Fund
Creating funds specifically for climate-proofing venues and grassroots pitches worldwide
Ongoing Research
Continued monitoring and research to improve climate resilience in football
Fan Support for Climate Action
A survey of 3,600 fans across the three host nations showed overwhelming support for making the 2026 World Cup a sustainability leader:
“We hope this report raises awareness and sparks action—to protect the Beautiful Game and the planet it depends on. Because climate resilience, like football, is a global team effort.”
The report urges the football industry to commit to net-zero by 2040, create adaptation funds for climate-proofing venues, and develop strategies for grassroots pitches worldwide.
“As someone from Spain, I can’t ignore the reality of the climate crisis… from record-breaking heatwaves to floods like the ones in Valencia,” Juan Mata said.
Mark McKenzie noted: “Next year’s tournament will be the biggest ever held, and with that comes the opportunity to make this the greatest sporting celebration ever from a sustainability perspective.”
Players across leagues including Serge Gnabry, Jessie Fleming, and Alexei Rojas have responded to the findings, with Fleming stating: “Football has a unique power to unite people from every corner of the world… It can also unite us in the fight against climate change.”
The problem extends beyond pro stadiums. By 2050, William Troost-Ekong’s childhood pitch in Nigeria will endure nearly five months of unplayable heat annually, and Tim Cahill’s pitch in Sydney faces flood depths up to 7 meters in extreme events. Mohamed Salah’s childhood region is identified with significant heat and water stress risks.
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By 2050, nearly one-third of World Cup venues are projected to face water demand equal to or exceeding supply.
The study assesses risks using IPCC climate modeling under the SSP5-8.5 scenario (a high-emissions pathway projecting 3.3°C to 5.7°C warming by 2100).
Fans support change. A survey of 3,600 people across host nations showed 91% want the 2026 World Cup to model sustainability, with highest support in Mexico (96%), followed by Canada (90%) and the US (87%).
The report notes heat-related measures such as cooling breaks, shaded benches, and air fans used during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the US. Qatar 2022 was scheduled in November-December to avoid peak summer heat.
Professor Piers Forster of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures is cited in launch materials as advocating consideration of winter scheduling or cooler regions as risks grow.
“We hope this report raises awareness and sparks action—to protect the Beautiful Game and the planet it depends on. Because climate resilience, like football, is a global team effort,” said Rich Sorkin, CEO of Jupiter Intelligence.
The report urges the football industry to commit to net-zero by 2040, publish credible decarbonization plans, create adaptation funds for climate-proofing venues, and develop strategies for grassroots pitches worldwide.
The “Pitches in Peril” report documented climate risks to the 2026 World Cup stadiums, examined impacts from heat to water scarcity, and included perspectives from players, experts, and fans.
