Overview

• Ten of the 16 stadiums set to host the 2026 tournament are rated at very high risk of extreme heat stress, with 14 exceeding 2025 safe-play thresholds for multiple hazards.
• Thirteen venues already see summer days above FIFA’s 32°C WBGT drinks-break trigger, and 10 hit the 35°C WBGT human adaptability limit, including Dallas with 31 days and Houston with 51.
• By 2050 nearly 90% of North American host stadiums will require heat adaptation, and about one third could face water demand that equals or exceeds local supply.
• The study identifies Miami, Houston, Monterrey and Dallas as especially vulnerable, projecting roughly 100–160 days of unplayable heat by mid-century alongside compounding risks such as flooding and water scarcity.
• The 96-page report urges a net-zero target by 2040, credible decarbonisation plans and dedicated adaptation funds, with experts warning that future tournaments may need cooler-month scheduling.