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Extreme heat a threat to World Cup venues
The Straits Times
|September 11, 2025
The 2026 World Cup could be North America's last without urgent climate adaptation measures, according to a new study highlighting extreme weather threats.
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LONDON - The 2026 World Cup could be North America's last without urgent climate adaptation measures, according to a new study highlighting extreme weather threats.
The "Pitches in Peril" report, compiled by Football for the Future, Common Goal and Jupiter Intelligence, found that 10 of the 16 venues are at very high risk of experiencing extreme heat stress conditions.
By 2050, nearly 90 per cent of North America's host stadiums will require adaptation to extreme heat while one-third will face water demand equalling or exceeding supply.
The report also highlighted risks to 2030 and 2034 World Cup venues and examined the impact of a warming climate on grassroots football pitches once used by 18 iconic players.
"As someone from Spain, I can't ignore the climate crisis," said Spain's World Cup-winner Juan Mata, referencing 2024's devastating Valencia floods.
This story is from the September 11, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
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