Right now, as national football teams are securing their final places at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, nations are gathered in Belém, Brazil, on a different kind of world stage, namely COP30. Despite what many may think, these talks taking place at the climate conference in Belém are incredibly relevant to football fans, as battles on the pitch may be the least of their worries in the coming years.
According to the organisation Football for Future, the infrastructure for the tournament is not adapted to the changing weather conditions caused by the climate crisis. They emphasise that 14 out of 16 stadiums are not suited to handle the increasingly extreme climate conditions across the Americas.
DanChurchAid has joined forces with Football for Future and Common Goals to highlight the urgent need for climate adaptation—not only for football stadiums but across the entire world, especially in the poorest countries.
The climate crisis is already here and the consequences are alarming. We can see it in the world of football, but it is even more evident in the world’s poorest countries.Jonas Nøddekær, Secretary General, DanChurchAid
“We must adapt to a new climate reality where floods and droughts become increasingly common. Together with Football for Future and Common Goals, we are now launching a series of campaign videos under the title ‘One Game. One Planet’ to highlight the need for climate adaptation”, Jonas Nøddekær, Secretary General of DanChurchAid, states.
DanChurchAid’s climate adviser, Mattias Söderberg, is currently present at the COP30 negotiations in Brazil, where he is pushing for climate adaptation to be given higher priority:
“Unfortunately, the world’s politicians are not defending our planet the way football players defend their goal – and that is why it is crucial that everyone with a voice speaks up about the need for climate adaptation. The threat to the world of football may very well mobilise many people in the fight for climate action.”
The end game at COP30 has begun and it is now crucial that adaptation commitments are not watered down. We need an ambition adaptation package when we leave BelémMattias Söderberg, Global Climate Lead, DanChurchAid
Professional footballer and DanChurchAid ambassador Sofie Junge is clear:
“There is one game we cannot afford to lose. And that is the climate fight.”
One game. One planet.
Football for Future is a non-profit organisation working to build an environmentally sustainable culture in football.
Common Goal is a social movement that uses football to drive positive social change.
CONTACT
Global Climate Lead, DanChurchAid, Mattias Söderberg
WhatsApp: +45 29 700 609
Email: msd@dca.dk
