The 2026 World Cup across North America is projected to emit nearly 9 million tons of CO2, nearly double the average of previous tournaments. This spike is driven by an increase to 48 teams and 104 matches, necessitating massive air travel across three countries. Critics argue that FIFA's sustainability claims are contradictory, especially given their partnerships with oil companies and a history of disputed carbon-neutral labels. Beyond emissions, extreme summer heat in host cities poses significant health risks to players and fans.
