Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a call to protect football and the planet from the impact of climate change

Steele said that “Stifling heat for players, fans and everyone”Noting that the planet is getting hotter after more than a century of burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas.

He explained that this means inside the football field and at all levels “More extreme heat, more fatigue, more difficult decisions, slower reactions.”.

He warned that this is not limited to the things we love, such as football and many other sports that are under severe pressure from global warming. “It also includes things we need, like food, as global warming hits crops and raises prices for everyone.”.

Saving sports and the world

The UN official warned that the current fossil fuel crisis is affecting billions of people in every country, imposing much higher costs on them.

But he said that “The good news is that we know how to address the climate crisis, by eliminating dependency on fossil fuels that are warming the planet.”.

He pointed out that the sports sector has already begun to play its role effectively by reducing pollution caused by fossil fuels, and taking measures in this regard.

He stressed that if football fans raise their voices to protect it from the repercussions of climate change – such as extreme heat waves – this will constitute a decisive turning point and change the rules of the game. “It’s not just about saving sport, it’s about protecting the world on which sport depends.”.

He concluded his speech by saying: “The next time you see a stoppage in drinking fluids during a match, or a postponement of the match due to extreme heat, remember the reason behind it: coal, oil and gas are working to raise the temperature of our planet.”.