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Climate threats loom over North America's 2026 World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, set to kick off across the U.S., Canada and Mexico in June 2026, faces significant disruptions from extreme weather, including scorching temperatures, hurricanes and wildfire smoke, experts warn. With the tournament's draw scheduled for Friday in Washington, D.C., host cities are scrambling to mitigate risks that could derail matches, strain budgets and disrupt travel plans for millions of fans.
High-risk venues and financial fallout
A recent analysis by Pitches in Peril identified 10 of the 16 host stadiums as facing a "very high risk" of extreme heat stress. Maddy Orr, a Toronto-based researcher studying climate impacts on sports, cautioned that canceled or delayed games could trigger costly legal and logistical headaches for organizers.
"Refunding tickets, compensating staff and breaching vendor contracts could cost millions per match," Orr said. "Broadcast partners, fan zones and food suppliers may demand compensation if events are scrapped or postponed."
Last summer's FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. offered a preview of potential chaos. Matches in Orlando, New Jersey and Cincinnati suffered delays of up to 90 minutes due to storms and heavy rain, forcing organizers to adjust schedules on the fly.
Fans urged to prepare for disruptions
Travel experts are advising spectators to secure comprehensive insurance and flexible bookings. Lisa Webb, a consumer rights lawyer at Which? magazine, noted that policies vary by country and often exclude rescheduled-rather than canceled-games.
"If a match is rescheduled, your ticket remains valid, but FIFA won't cover extra hotel nights or flights. Fans must arrange their own travel adjustments."
Lisa Webb, Which? Magazine
Webb recommended using credit cards for major purchases, as U.S. and U.K. laws allow disputes for undelivered services. She also highlighted the role of government travel advisories: "If authorities issue warnings due to unsafe conditions, refunds become far easier to claim."
Host cities adapt with cooling measures
Kansas City, one of the venues flagged for extreme heat, is deploying misting fans, shaded rest areas and hydration stations to protect an expected 650,000 visitors. Pam Kramer, head of the local organizing committee, said the city has formed a heat-task force with meteorologists, healthcare providers and sports teams to monitor conditions in real time.
"We can't control match schedules, but we can share expertise," Kramer said. "Our NFL team, the Chiefs, plays in this heat regularly. We'll send push alerts to fans with hydration tips and safety protocols before they leave their hotels."
While Kansas City's efforts aim to minimize risks, Kramer acknowledged the limits of local solutions. "Heat is manageable if visitors know what to expect. But we're not alone-Atlanta, Miami and Dallas face similar challenges."
Wildfires and air quality add to concerns
Canada's host cities, Toronto and Vancouver, are also bracing for heatwaves and wildfire smoke. Orr warned that prolonged wildfires could force last-minute venue changes, complicating logistics for teams and fans.
"If Vancouver or Toronto become unplayable due to smog or extreme heat, games may need to be relocated," she said. "These disruptions could last days, requiring rapid adjustments to schedules and travel plans."
Despite the risks, local businesses are banking on the tournament's economic boost. Mark Kenna, owner of a Vancouver gift shop, said he expects a surge in sales from football-themed merchandise. "We're stocking up on soccer keychains and other memorabilia. It's a huge opportunity."
Uncertainty clouds the road ahead
With the draw fast approaching, organizers are walking a tightrope between preparation and unpredictability. While infrastructure upgrades and safety protocols are underway, the specter of climate-related disruptions looms large.
"The priority is keeping everyone safe," Orr said. "But the financial and logistical ripple effects could be massive if extreme weather strikes."
