Overview
- The Pitches in Peril analysis by Football for Future, Common Goal and Jupiter Intelligence finds 10 of 16 host stadiums already beyond safe WBGT thresholds for play.
- City-level estimates for 2025 label numerous ‘unplayable’ days, including Houston 51, Dallas 33, Kansas City 17, Atlanta and Monterrey 9, Miami 8, Philadelphia 7, New Jersey 3, Boston 2 and Los Angeles 1.
- Afternoon kickoffs in June and July pose the greatest danger, with effective temperatures projected near 49.5°C in hotspots such as Arlington, Houston and Monterrey.
- By 2050, projected ‘unplayable’ days rise sharply, led by Houston at 92, Dallas 64, Miami 54 and Monterrey 29, signaling widespread adaptation needs across venues.
- The report flags broader climate threats too, noting most sites exceed 2025 safety thresholds for multiple hazards, while FIFA has not announced changes to its June–July plan despite calls for night kickoffs, enhanced cooling and potential calendar shifts.