Iconic football stadiums, including U.S. venues set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, face potentially huge losses due to escalating climate threats between now and 2050, according to a study by analytics company Climate X analyzing natural hazard risks exposure for World Cup venues and major European stadiums.

The findings, which highlight the need for stakeholders to improve resilience against mounting climate-related hazards, are based on an analysis of 12 American World Cup venues and the 25 largest European football stadiums. Florida emerges as a high-risk hotspot, with three of the top six most exposed stadiums by 2050 located in the state.

“This data is a stark reminder of the mounting threats climate change poses to the infrastructure underpinning global events,” said Lukky Ahmed, CEO of Climate X. “As we celebrate the world’s love for football, we must also confront the sobering reality that some of the sport’s most cherished venues are at risk. Stakeholders must take immediate action to safeguard these assets and ensure the sustainability of future events.”

Beyond their role in sports, Ahmed added: “Football stadiums are more than sporting venues — they are economic and cultural linchpins for local communities.”

The study, conducted using Climate X’s flagship physical climate risk assessment tool Spectra, focused on 10 natural hazards, including various types of flooding, wildfire, drought and extreme heat.

The analysis showed a dramatic increase in potential financial losses across all venues, with projected damages rising from $130 million in 2020 to an estimated $800 million by 2050. Alarmingly, nearly 40% of these projected losses in 2050 are concentrated in just three of the highest-risk venues.

Examining present-day (2020) hazard exposure, two stadiums stood out with the highest risk scores: Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium, both located in Orlando, Florida. These venues face four out of the 10 analyzed hazards, highlighting their vulnerability to climate-related events, the report noted. Other high-risk stadiums included Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, and Estadio Benito Villamerín in Seville, Spain.

Looking ahead to 2050, the hazard landscape becomes even more concerning. The analysis predicts that six stadiums will face four hazards each, with half of these high-risk venues located in Florida. The Velodrome in Marseille, Oaka Stadium in Athens, and Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando top the list of venues facing the most severe climate risks.

When considering potential losses as a percentage of replacement cost, three stadiums emerge as particularly vulnerable. The Velodrome in Marseille could face losses totaling 17.69% of its replacement value by 2050, while Oaka Stadium in Athens and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena could see losses of 8.79% and 5.22%, respectively. Surface flooding remains a significant threat across these venues, with river flooding posing an additional risk to some stadiums.

Impacts on Specific Venues and Regions

The top three stadiums by total loss percentage are Oaka Stadium in Athens, Velodrome in Marseille, and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. These venues are projected to suffer losses of 8.85%, 8.58%, and 4.93% of their replacement costs, respectively, by 2050. Surface flooding poses a substantial threat to all three stadiums, while river flooding presents an additional risk for Oaka Stadium.

The United States, particularly Florida, emerges as a hotspot for climate-related stadium risks. By 2050, three of the six venues facing the highest number of climate hazards will be located in Florida alone. Notable European stadiums are not immune to these threats, with Velodrome and Oaka Stadium ranking among the most vulnerable globally.

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America faces potential challenges due to these climate risks. Host cities and local economies may grapple with increased repair costs, event disruptions, and soaring insurance premiums. The tournament, set to feature 63 matches across 12 U.S. venues, could see far-reaching economic consequences if climate-related issues arise.

View the complete report here. &