Experts warn that the 2026 World Cup will produce the largest carbon footprint in international sports history. With an expanded format of 48 teams and venues spread across the US, Canada, and Mexico, emissions are expected to reach between five and nine million tonnes of CO2. The primary driver of these emissions is the massive increase in air travel for fans, athletes, and officials due to the vast distances between host cities. This trend contrasts with the Olympic Games, where carbon footprints have generally decreased in recent editions.
