MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Experts Available to Discuss Soccer and Sustainability in a Warming America

WASHINGTON – As journalists cover the FIFA World Cup and its impact on host communities around the globe, Ocean Conservancy experts are available to provide insight on the environmental impacts of “the beautiful game” and the role our ocean plays in keeping athletes on the pitch. Eleven U.S. cities – including eight along American coasts – will be hosting World Cup events starting this weekend through the end of June, which is also World Ocean Month.

According to peer-reviewed research published by Queen’s University Belfast, almost 90% of the North American stadiums hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup could face potentially dangerous levels of heat. Of the 16 stadiums in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. involved in the tournament, researchers claim 14 could exceed 82.4 F (28 C) at least some of the time during matches. When this temperature is reached, officials consider delay or postponement.

The games come to the U.S. just weeks after the White House announced plans to dismantle one of the country’s premier ocean observation systems, and against the backdrop of repeated attempts to to make steep cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which would drastically weaken extreme weather forecasting and storm preparedness.

Many of the U.S. cities set to host World Cup matches have already experienced extreme weather disruptions that highlight the tournament’s vulnerability to climate-related impacts. In February 2026, Houston’s NRG Stadium saw roof damage from heavy winds and rainfall, its second such event in less than two years after Hurricane Beryl damaged the venue in 2024. In New York, severe thunderstorms in May flooded subway lines and roads, causing widespread delays. And in Miami, heavy rains this month have increased concerns about flash flooding. To ensure a seamless experience for fans, U.S. cities hosting World Cup games, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco, will rely on smoothly-running transportation systems and venues. 

In February 2025, Ocean Conservancy launched Protect Where We Play, an initiative that leverages the reach of athletes, artists and major events to mobilize millions of fans in support of ocean conservation. The program highlights the connection between a healthy ocean, thriving communities and the places where people live, play and compete.

Protect Where We Play’s “Team Ocean Captains” include WNBA star Napheesa Collier, NFL veteran Kelvin Beachum, MLB pitcher Brent Suter, Paralympic champion Ezra Frech, ballerina Katherine Barkman, world champion surfer John John Florence, and actor John Slattery. Last fall, Ocean Conservancy announced the addition of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, the United States SailGP Team and Team USA Artistic Swimming to the initiative, as well. In October, Protect Where We Play won in the category of “Purpose-led Partnership with a Non-profit” at the Sport Positive Awards in London, which recognize and celebrate efforts to use the power of sport to tackle climate change and other environmental challenges.

Available Experts:

Dr. Fatima Candace Vahlsing, Vice President, Climate Program

Available to discuss:

• Climate impacts on sports and major outdoor events
• Climate resilience in coastal host communities
• The role of ocean-based climate solutions
• How sporting events can help elevate climate awareness and action
• Sustainability and environmental legacy planning

Nicholas Mallos, Vice President, Plastics Program

Available to discuss:

• Plastic pollution associated with large-scale sporting events
• Waste reduction and circular economy strategies
• Opportunities for fan engagement around sustainability
• Reducing single-use plastics at events and venues
• The connection between sports, consumer behavior and environmental stewardship

Potential Story Angles:

• How major sporting events can engage millions of fans on environmental issues.
• The growing role of athletes as advocates for conservation and sustainability.
• Plastic pollution and waste reduction efforts associated with global sporting events.
• Climate impacts facing host cities and sports infrastructure.
• The connection between healthy oceans, tourism economies and coastal communities.
• How event organizers are increasingly incorporating sustainability into planning and operations.
• The environmental legacy major tournaments leave behind long after the final whistle.

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ABOUT PROTECT WHERE WE PLAY

Protect Where We Play (PWWP) is an Ocean Conservancy initiative uniting sports and entertainment industries to protect the ocean by leveraging athletes, artists, teams, events and venues to mobilize millions of fans worldwide. Together, we combat climate change and preserve the future of sports, entertainment and all the places we play and find joy. www.protectwhereweplay.com #protectwhereweplay

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY  

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky or Instagram.