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

Illustrative photo. (Source: VNA)

Specifically, the report said that 14 out of 16 stadiums hosting the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico may not ensure safe competition conditions this year.

Currently, these stadiums are at great risk of extreme heat, heavy rain making it impossible to play and flooding.

To date, 13 stadiums listed as hosting the 2026 World Cup have recorded at least one day this summer with temperatures exceeding the 32°C threshold according to the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index - used by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to determine when to take a water break to help ensure player health.

Additionally, 10 stadiums recorded at least one day each summer that reached 35°C on the WBGT index, a threshold identified by climate scientists as the limit of human adaptation to extreme heat.

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

By 2050, it is predicted that nearly 90% of stadiums in North America will need to be renovated or equipped to withstand extreme heat. In addition, about a third of venues will not be able to meet water needs during the competition season.

Speaking about the impact of climate change on sports , former World Cup champion Juan Mata stressed that football has long been a bridge to connect people, and can now serve as a reminder of the consequences of the climate crisis.

The Club World Cup, which took place in the US from June 14 to July 13 this year, was seen as an early warning, with the playing conditions described by players as “unbearable.”

Faced with the intense heat and the risk of storms, FIFA has had to adjust the event's organization process, adding measures such as short breaks, mid-match water refueling, providing covered seats and cooling fans for the players.

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

Specifically, the football field in striker Mo Salah's hometown in Egypt can endure more than a month of intense heat, not ensuring playing conditions every year.

Meanwhile, Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong's childhood home is at risk of 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 this decade will be so severe that timely measures such as moving the competition to winter or holding tournaments in cooler areas will be required.

In addition, the 96-page report calls on the football industry to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, develop credible emissions reduction plans and recommend tournament organizers establish a climate change adaptation fund.

In addition, a survey of more than 3,600 fans in three host countries, the US, Canada and Mexico, showed that 91% want the 2026 World Cup to become a model of sustainable development./.

According to VNA

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