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Infantino’s Roofed Stadium Plan Faces Heat Ahead of 2026 World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sparked controversy with his recent statement on the use of roofed stadiums during the upcoming 2026 Men’s World Cup. The plan, which aims to reduce the impact of extreme heat and sudden storms, may not be the solution it seems.
According to experts at Brunel University, many host cities are projected to exceed safe Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature thresholds. Only two cities, Vancouver and Seattle, are expected to avoid these dangerous conditions. In contrast, using roofed stadiums during peak sun hours would provide some relief from extreme heat and sudden storms.
However, the plan has been met with skepticism by climate advocates who argue that it is not a comprehensive solution. While it may help protect players and fans from the dangers of high temperatures and sudden weather events, it fails to address the broader issue of sustainability and safety in sports tournaments.
Furthermore, relying on air conditioning and lighting increases energy consumption and carbon emissions, highlighting the need for renewable energy sourcing. Furthermore, enclosed venues can restrict natural light and airflow, making it difficult to maintain healthy grass surfaces. Grass requires sunlight, ventilation, and irrigation, all of which are more challenging to manage under closed conditions.
The emphasis should be on adapting climate-resilient plans for open-air venues, which are most vulnerable to extreme weather events, to better protect players and fans from dangerous heat and storms. A more holistic approach is necessary, including measures such as free water refill points, renewable energy-powered venues, shaded seating areas, real-time Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature monitoring to trigger more frequent cooling breaks and extended half-time intervals during heat spikes.
The use of Qatar World Cup in 2022 sparked concerns among climate advocates that this infrastructure could become a dangerous new norm. Therefore, it is imperative that FIFA goes beyond the current plan and makes significant adjustments for climate-readiness by rethinking how major sports tournaments can genuinely mitigate their environmental impacts.
Source: www.forbes.com
