Football For Future and Common Goal have just launched the CO2F-supported World Cup 2026 Climate Action Campaign, a landmark initiative set to transform how football understands and responds to the climate crisis.  The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will unfold across 16 stadiums in Canada, Mexico & the U.S., in cities facing rising heat, extreme weather, water shortages, wildfires, and flooding. This exciting effort marries the most-watched event in history with the defining challenge of our time, and asks a simple question: what future are we playing for?

Backed by cutting-edge climate modeling from Jupiter Intelligence, the report will map risks across all 16 WC26 stadiums, future final venues for WC30 (Spain) and WC34 (Saudi Arabia), and 8 grassroots pitches where World Cup legends like Messi, Salah, Mbappé, Beckham, and Mata took their first steps in the game. The analysis combines Jupiter Intelligence’s high-resolution ClimateScore GlobalTM️ data, athlete health implications, and fan sentiment, creating the most comprehensive view to date of how climate change is reshaping the global game. The official report will be published in July 2025, timed with the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, and supported by a global launch campaign.

Mark McKenzie (USMNT, Toulouse FC) is a founding Champion for this project, as it builds momentum and more players get on board. As he put it, “As players, we have a responsibility to lead — not just on the field, but in how we protect the world we play in. Climate change affects every community, especially those already facing injustice. I’m committed to using my voice to push for a healthier planet and a sustainable future for the next generation.” Mark represents a new wave of footballers stepping up not just as campaign supporters, but as storytellers and changemakers.

Between now and the 2026 World Cup, this campaign aims to mobilize the largest group of men’s players ever to speak out on climate; launch the full climate risk report, with global media coverage; inspire and support governing bodies to adopt sustainability commitments and fund grassroots adaptation; shift culture through fan engagement, brand partnerships, and powerful football storytelling. What’s already underway:

• Climate risk assessments for 36 locations across host stadiums and grassroots pitches using Jupiter’s ClimateScore GlobalTM data
• A record-breaking fan survey via Dynata, reaching 7,000+ supporters across WC26 host nations
• A multilingual storytelling campaign led by elite players, launching across 7+ languages and platforms
• Partnerships with friends and enablers, from host cities to brands and clubs

With 5 billion fans, football is one of the world’s most powerful cultural forces. Yet climate change threatens everything from elite stadiums to grassroots pitches, from player health to the joy of the game itself. This campaign turns those threats into a movement. The CO2 Foundation is fascinated by this enormous opportunity to reach far outside the “choir” to make the climate crisis visible, urgent, and personal for everyone who loves football.