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The World Cup is getting hotter. A sports architect shares how stadiums can adapt
This year's World Cup faces significant challenges due to rising summer temperatures, with ten of the sixteen venues at high risk of extreme heat. A warming climate exacerbates these risks to players' health, match operations, and spectator safety, particularly in southern U.S. cities. FIFA is implementing strategies like a Heat Illness Mitigation and Management Task Force and revised scheduling to address these concerns. They are also providing cooling areas, water stations, and misters for fans.Only three U.S. World Cup stadiums are air-conditioned with retractable roofs, meaning other venues must rely on different interventions. One key strategy is providing ample shade through canopies, trees, and tents to lower ambient temperatures. Another effective method is installing cool seating designs that maximize airflow, like mesh or waffle-patterned seats. Stadiums can also incorporate nature by strategically positioning new builds for airflow and using solar studies to plan effective shading. Ensuring plentiful water fountains and implementing mandatory hydration breaks are crucial for fan and player safety.