The escalating temperatures projected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada underscore a growing climate risk that threatens athlete safety, fan experience and the integrity of one of the world’s most watched sporting events. The analysis originates from Brazil, where former player Sávio Bortolini Pimentel recalls the extreme heat of the 1994 tournament, illustrating how historical precedent now faces an amplified threat under contemporary climate change conditions. This development sits squarely at the intersection of environmental health and governance, demanding urgent attention from sports governing bodies, sponsors and stakeholders committed to sustainable operations. Imperial College London’s recent study quantifies the risk by applying a wet‑bulb globe temperature (WBGT) threshold of 28 °C (83 °F), the level recommended by FIFPRO for player safety. FIFA currently postpones matches only above 32 °C (90 °F). The report projects that five World Cup games in 2026 could exceed the 28 °C limit, up from three during the 1994 U.S. edition, with a 12.5 % probability of the final at MetLife Stadium surpassing 26 °C and a 3 % chance of reaching 28 °C. Sixty professional players have issued an open letter urging FIFA to adopt stricter heat guidelines, eliminate fossil‑fuel sponsorships, and adjust match schedules to reduce travel emissions—actions that align with GRI Standards on climate risk (GRI 305) and the UN SDG 13 target of reducing global temperature rise. The call for cooling strategies in locker rooms, extended hydration breaks, and free water stations reflects SASB’s sports‑industry guidance on player health and safety. For investors, regulators and sponsors, this heightened heat risk signals a tangible escalation in climate exposure that could translate into reputational damage, medical liability costs, and loss of fan engagement. Conversely, proactive adaptation—implementing real‑time WBGT monitoring, investing in stadium cooling technologies, and transitioning to renewable energy for event operations—offers a competitive advantage and aligns with ESG mandates increasingly demanded by institutional investors. The 2026 World Cup thus serves as a bellwether for the broader sports sector: failure to address climate‑induced heat stress could undermine stakeholder trust, while robust mitigation measures can reinforce governance credibility and advance global sustainability goals.