The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has begun, and excitement is already building. FIFA has announced that ticket sales will officially start next week, with entry-level tickets priced at $60. This is the start of a wave of global interest in the first World Cup hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Beyond football, the 2026 World Cup is being framed as the largest sporting event in history, set to break records in scale, audience, and financial impact. However, as the tournament grows, questions about sustainability and climate accountability are surfacing more strongly than ever.
This article explores the key elements shaping the 2026 World Cup—from the scale of ticketing and stadium preparations to the climate debate and FIFA’s promises on environmental management.
Ticket Sales and Record Demand
FIFA confirmed that ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup will start next week, with the lowest-priced tickets at $60. While this marks a lower entry point compared to past tournaments, demand is expected to outpace supply significantly.
The 2026 edition will host 48 teams for the first time, up from 32, and feature 104 matches across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This expansion increases the number of tickets available. FIFA projects that over 5.5 million tickets could be sold, surpassing the record 3.1 million sold in Brazil 2014 and the 3.4 million in Qatar 2022.
FIFA is also testing new ticketing models, including bundled packages for group-stage matches and hospitality programs. Organizers are betting on the North American market’s strong purchasing power to drive record-breaking revenue. It could potentially surpass $11 billion in total tournament income.
Stadiums and Infrastructure: North America’s Advantage
The United States, Canada, and Mexico have much of the needed infrastructure. This lowers construction costs and cuts environmental impact compared to previous hosts. FIFA’s Bid Book notes that 16 stadiums across the three countries are already built and will require minimal adaptation.
The U.S. alone will host 11 stadiums, including New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium (capacity ~82,500), Dallas’ AT&T Stadium (~80,000), and Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium (~70,000). Canada contributes Toronto and Vancouver, while Mexico adds Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
The use of existing facilities shows a change from past tournaments. For example, in Qatar 2022, seven new stadiums were built. This will lower the carbon footprint of construction. However, emissions from operations and travel are still significant.
Football’s Carbon Footprint
Football—known as soccer in North America and other regions—is far from climate-friendly. The sport generates an estimated 64–66 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually, making it as emissions-intensive as the entire country of Austria.
This figure shows energy use in stadiums, construction, and merchandise. It also highlights travel and high-carbon sponsorships. These two areas make up about 75% of total emissions.
At the elite club level, teams like Liverpool FC and FC Barcelona are leading the action. Liverpool cut operational emissions by 89% from 2019 to 2024, sources 96% of energy from renewables, and offsets all remaining club operations. FC Barcelona registered a footprint of 1,190 t CO₂e in 2021–22, has switched entirely to renewable electricity, and aims for net-zero by 2030.
Football has a big impact on global emissions. Yet, top clubs are finding ways to lessen this harm. They aim for a more sustainable future for the sport.
The Climate Debate: FIFA’s “Blind Spot”
FIFA is under increasing scrutiny about the tournament’s environmental impact, even with better stadium usage. A recent report, IFA’s Climate Blind Spot (July 2025), said that FIFA’s climate promises are unclear and not enough for the World Cup’s needs.
Air travel emerges as the largest concern. With 48 teams, expanded matches, and international fans, emissions from flights are expected to reach record highs. The report highlights that travel-related emissions could exceed those of Qatar 2022, where the event generated an estimated 3.6 million metric tons of CO₂e.
Moreover, emissions related to top sponsors are adding up to the event’s total carbon footprint.
Critics say FIFA’s carbon-neutral pledges lack clarity. The organization often relies on offsets, especially forestry projects. However, these have faced questions about their permanence and integrity. FIFA is facing calls to invest in direct emissions cuts. This includes renewable energy and low-carbon transport.
FIFA’s Environmental Promises
FIFA’s Bid Book and environmental assessment documents outline strategies to mitigate the tournament’s impact. The focus is on three pillars: infrastructure efficiency, waste reduction, and renewable energy.
FIFA has committed to:
- 100% renewable energy use at stadiums and fan zones.
- Waste recycling systems aim for 80% diversion from landfills.
- Water-saving technologies in stadiums, especially in drought-prone areas like California and Mexico.
- Partnerships with public transit systems to encourage sustainable travel.
In theory, hosting across three countries spreads the load across existing infrastructure. However, the flip side is significantly higher travel demand. Fans, teams, and officials will need to fly long distances between cities such as Vancouver, Miami, and Mexico City. This challenge raises doubts about whether the tournament can realistically achieve a “sustainable” profile.
Chasing $11B: Football’s Financial Juggernaut
The World Cup is not only a sporting spectacle but also a financial powerhouse. FIFA expects revenues to exceed $11 billion, up from $7.5 billion in Qatar 2022. The majority will come from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
North America’s large stadiums and established sports economy are central to this projection. For instance:
- The average stadium capacity is over 60,000, compared to Qatar’s average of 47,000.
- Sponsorship opportunities are expected to grow by 20–25%, as global brands align with the expanded 48-team format.
The global audience could exceed 5 billion viewers, making it the most-watched sporting event in history. This scale raises the stakes for FIFA not just financially, but in terms of its responsibility toward sustainability and social impact.
Expansion vs. Emissions: Can Growth Be Green?
FIFA’s expansion to 48 teams reflects the tension between inclusivity and sustainability. More nations participating increases global engagement, but also magnifies emissions and logistical challenges.
Environmental experts argue that FIFA should use the World Cup to set new standards for sustainable mega-events.
Options include:
-
Mandating airlines to provide emissions disclosures.
-
Investing in renewable energy projects in host cities.
-
Funding carbon removal technologies instead of relying heavily on offsets.
The July 2025 report emphasizes that FIFA cannot afford to ignore climate accountability, especially as global climate negotiations intensify. With COP30 set to take place in Brazil in late 2025, pressure will grow on FIFA to align with global climate goals.
Lessons from Past Tournaments
Comparisons with earlier tournaments illustrate both progress and gaps:
- Germany 2006 was the first World Cup to adopt a formal sustainability program, focusing on energy efficiency.
- Brazil 2014 faced criticism for stadiums that became “white elephants.”
- Russia 2018 introduced carbon offset programs, but they were limited in transparency.
- Qatar 2022 claimed “carbon neutrality,” but independent reviews challenged these claims due to reliance on offset credits.
The 2026 edition, taking place in countries with great infrastructure and solid climate policies, can set a strong example. It all depends on whether FIFA keeps its promises seriously instead of just using marketing talk.
What to Watch in the Lead-Up
As the tournament approaches, several milestones will shape both excitement and scrutiny:
- Ticket sales volume and pricing trends once sales open next week.
- Details on FIFA’s climate and sustainability programs, expected in late 2025.
- Infrastructure upgrades, particularly in transport and stadium retrofits.
- Policy linkages between host governments and FIFA, especially around emissions and energy use.
The spotlight will intensify not only on the quality of football but also on FIFA’s ability to balance entertainment with responsibility.
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever. It boasts record ticket sales, more teams, and amazing financial returns. Yet, its growth comes with heightened responsibility. FIFA’s climate strategy faces criticism. How the organization manages emissions, offsets, and renewable energy will affect views on the event, extending beyond football.
As ticket sales begin and excitement builds, fans and stakeholders alike will be watching not only for goals on the pitch but also for progress on sustainability. The World Cup offers an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate that mega-events can align with global climate goals—if the commitments are real and the implementation matches the ambition.
The post FIFA World Cup 2026: Ticket Frenzy, $11B Payday, and Football’s Climate Test appeared first on Carbon Credits.
Carbon Footprint
One Carbon World joins Carbon Markets Africa Summit as Official Climate Impact Partner
Disseminated on behalf of VUKA Group.
“Partnerships the way to scale of the African carbon market”
One Carbon World (OCW) will be the official climate impact partner of the upcoming Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) taking place in Johannesburg from 22 to 23 October.
OCW is a not-for-profit dedicated to helping organisations reduce their carbon footprint and achieve recognised standards such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). They provide tailored guidance to clients and advocate for putting high-quality data in front of decision-makers.
Carbon Markets Africa Summit will gather the continent’s entire carbon markets value chain, from successful early carbon market movers, climate-finance-ready projects, and regulatory bodies to global institutional development organisations and investors.
Measuring CMAS carbon footprint
“We are very, very proud to be working with the VUKA group as their climate impact partner for the CMAS Summit,” says Madeleine Garlick, One Carbon World Africa Director. “We will be measuring the carbon footprint of the CMAS Summit. VUKA believes in leading by example, which includes setting high standards for themselves.”
She adds:
“Our partnership, we hope, will enable VUKA to gather huge amounts of data to understand the impacts of their summits. By working together, we hope to be able to track year-on-year improvements. It is a journey. And we think that this is a really, powerful move by an organisation who are not only hosting the critical green conversations that we need about Africa’s future, but are also leading the way by walking the walk themselves.”
Monitoring, reporting and verification
One Carbon World recently began to expand its work into nature-based solutions projects in the carbon market. Garlick explains:
“This is very much in response to what our customers have been asking for, which is high integrity carbon credits to support their low carbon journey. We particularly support our customers and clients and projects through the MRV process (monitoring, reporting and verification) to ensure that their process and activities are of high integrity and comply with all the relevant data and global verification requirements. Ultimately, we believe that carbon markets are a key part of the climate journey for a number of organisations.”
Partnerships key to scale African carbon markets
According to Madeleine Garlick, One Carbon World’s key message at CMAS will be that:
“African stakeholders and innovators are developing and leading the market at the moment. And the most important thing at this point in the progress and development of the African carbon market is partnership. Partnerships between businesses, partnership between project implementers to learn from each other, partnerships with communities, and finding new ways to deliver value at the grassroots level. Partnership is the way we will get scale out of the African carbon market and ensure it is delivering for everybody.”
Future of sustainable events in Africa
“We’re thrilled to accompany VUKA on the start of their journey as they take meaningful steps to measure the emissions of their inaugural Carbon Markets Africa Summit,” states Andrew Bowen, One Carbon World CEO. He continues:
“With One Carbon World’s extensive experience in footprinting the emissions from large events around the world, we know how impactful this kind of leadership can be in shaping credible sustainability conversations and global climate action. We look forward to our partnership as we work together to advance the future of sustainable events in Africa and beyond.”
[Read and watch the full interview with Madeleine Garlick, One Carbon World Africa Director here.]
VUKA Group
Carbon Markets Africa Summit is organised by VUKA Group, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the official host organisation.
The VUKA Group (formerly Clarion Events Africa) is a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, ecommerce and CX sectors. It has more than 20 years’ experience in serving the business community across Africa.
Other well-known events by The Vuka Group include Africa’s Green Economy Summit, Smarter Mobility Africa, Enlit Africa, DRC Mining Week, Nigeria Mining Week, DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum, ECOM Africa and CEM Africa.
Event dates and location:
Dates:
21 October: Pre-summit day
22–23 October: Summit
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Contact details for Carbon Markets Africa Summit:
Project Lead: Emmanuelle Nicholls
Cell: +27 83 447 8410
Email: emmanuelle.nicholls@wearevuka.com
Event website: About — Carbon Markets Africa
One Carbon World website: https://www.onecarbonworld.com
The post One Carbon World joins Carbon Markets Africa Summit as Official Climate Impact Partner appeared first on Carbon Credits.
The United States and the United Kingdom have announced a landmark initiative called the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy. This partnership aims to speed up the development and deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies. These include small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors. They are smaller, more flexible, and often cheaper to build than traditional nuclear plants.
Both nations view this agreement as a way to secure their energy futures while also cutting carbon emissions. The partnership involves sharing research, aligning regulations, and boosting supply chains for nuclear parts and fuel.
By doing so, the US and UK hope to accelerate projects that can deliver reliable, clean power not only at home but also to global markets.
The announcement comes at a time when energy security and climate change are pressing issues. Recent global events, like rising fossil fuel prices and supply issues, highlight the need to diversify energy sources. And nuclear energy is gaining attention again. It can provide steady, low-carbon electricity. This makes it a key part of our energy mix.
Oklo’s Meteoric Rise
The news has sent ripples through the financial markets. Companies in advanced nuclear technology feel the impact the most. One of the biggest winners is Oklo Inc. (OKLO).
The company focuses on creating compact microreactors. These reactors provide clean, reliable power for various needs, including industrial operations, military bases, and remote communities.
Oklo’s stock has been on a dramatic upward path after the announcement:
- 1,460% increase in one year — rising from $6.20 on September 16, 2024, to $96.70 today.
- 30% gain in just five days, from September 11 to September 16, 2025.
This performance has positioned Oklo as one of the standout companies in the clean energy sector. Investors believe the company’s technology and solid policy support will make it key in the global nuclear revival.
Moreover, Oklo was chosen by the U.S. Air Force in June to build a microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. It has a capacity of up to 75 megawatts of combined electrical and thermal power. The project will be designed, built, owned, and operated by Oklo on-site, helping the base cut fuel deliveries and improve energy security.
- READ MORE: Oklo Stock Soars After U.S. Air Force Nuclear Energy Deal
- RELATED: The 3 “Tells” That Will Move Energy Stocks Before Any Handshake Does
Why Nuclear Energy is Back in Focus
The renewed focus on nuclear energy is not accidental. The world is experiencing rapid growth in electricity demand.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electricity use could rise by 30% between 2023 and 2030. A lot of this growth will come from electric vehicles, industrial electrification, and big data centers. These centers are needed to support artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
At the same time, governments around the world have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by the middle of the century. Nuclear energy already provides 10% of global electricity and about 25% of all low-carbon power. Without nuclear, meeting climate targets would be much more difficult.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has also emphasized the role of nuclear in reducing emissions. Their reports show that doubling or tripling nuclear power by 2050 could cut billions of tons of CO₂ from the global energy system.
The chart below from Katusa Research shows how much nuclear power the world needs by 2050 in different scenarios.
Small Reactors, Big Promise
Traditional nuclear plants are large, costly, and can take more than a decade to complete. In contrast, advanced reactors are designed to be smaller, modular, and easier to construct. Oklo’s main project, the Aurora microreactor, provides about 1.5 megawatts of electricity. This is enough to power hundreds of homes or a small industrial site.
Aurora reactors are designed to run for up to 20 years without refueling. Oklo is also developing technologies to recycle used nuclear fuel. This process turns waste into a resource, enhancing the sustainability of nuclear energy.
The US-UK partnership is expected to speed up the demonstration and deployment of advanced reactors. Both countries aim to launch new nuclear designs in under a decade. They plan to do this by aligning regulations and funding demonstration projects.
Billions Flowing Into Atoms
The nuclear industry is experiencing a wave of new investment. The IEA says that yearly investment in nuclear energy should double to around $120 billion by 2030. This growth comes as governments and companies seek reliable, clean power.
Several countries are already moving forward with SMR projects. Canada has committed $970 million to develop SMRs in Ontario. Poland and Romania are working with US-based companies to deploy new reactor designs. Japan, South Korea, and France have also signaled stronger support for nuclear after years of slower growth.
Oklo stands out in this context because of its early-mover advantage in microreactors. Its reactors are smaller than most SMRs. This makes them ideal for specialized markets such as off-grid industries, island nations, and military uses. This flexibility gives the company a potential edge as countries and companies look for clean, scalable power solutions.
Investor Bet on Oklo
Oklo’s stock rally is part of a broader trend of growing investor enthusiasm for nuclear. Over the past year, companies tied to the nuclear sector have outperformed broader market indexes.
While the S&P 500 gained around 12% in the past 12 months, Oklo’s more than 1,400% increase stands out as extraordinary. By comparison, NuScale Power, another SMR developer, has seen more modest stock performance as it works to advance its projects.
The surge highlights both the opportunities and risks of investing in emerging nuclear technologies. Oklo still has big challenges ahead. They need regulatory approvals and must scale up manufacturing. However, the market is signaling confidence that Oklo’s approach aligns with the global push for clean, dependable power.
What This Means Going Forward
The Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy marks a turning point in transatlantic cooperation. The US and UK are joining forces. By sharing their expertise, resources, and political will, they send a strong message: Nuclear energy will be key to their strategies.
For Oklo, the timing could not be better. Investor enthusiasm is high, government policies are supportive, and demand for clean energy is rising. And so, the company can take advantage of the nuclear boom.
If Oklo can deliver on its promises, it could help reshape the way the world thinks about nuclear power. Microreactors could become common in places where traditional reactors were never an option, from rural communities to industrial hubs.
The company’s story also reflects a larger shift. Nuclear power, once seen as a legacy technology, is now being recast as a driver of innovation and climate action. The mix of private-sector energy and government support could finally unleash its full potential.
- READ MORE: IAEA Predicts Doubling Nuclear Capacity by 2050—SMRs and Reactor Life Extensions Lead the Way
The post US-UK Nuclear Pact Sends Oklo Stock (OKLO) to Record Highs in Clean Energy Boom appeared first on Carbon Credits.
Disseminated on behalf of ARMR Sciences Inc.
Fentanyl is no longer just another opioid – it has become the single most lethal synthetic drug in the United States. Since 2000, it is estimated that more than 20 million nonfatal overdoses have occurred in the U.S.- surpassing deaths from COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and even major wars.
Today, fentanyl is the leading cause of death for adults aged 18–45, claiming an estimated 220 lives every single day.
A Silent, Rapid Killer
A minuscule amount – equivalent in size to just a few grains of salt – can be fatal. Fentanyl is fast-acting and often hidden in counterfeit pills or laced into drugs without the user’s knowledge.
Fentanyl is cheap to manufacture and covertly laced with counterfeit pills and recreational drugs. This stealth factor explains why the vast majority of overdose victims never intended to take fentanyl.
The financial toll is also staggering: the opioid epidemic costs the U.S. economy an estimated $2.7 trillion in 2023 alone, with cumulative losses exceeding $10 trillion over the past two decades.
Why Current Defenses Fall Short
Tools like naloxone (Narcan) have saved lives but remain purely reactive. They only work after an overdose begins and often fail against emerging analogs such as xylazine, nitazenes, or medetomidine, which Narcan cannot reverse. First responders, military personnel, and even families are left without effective long-term defenses.
ARMR’s Preventive Approach
ARMR Sciences is advancing its novel immunotherapy, ARMR-100, designed to train the immune system to block fentanyl before it reaches the brain. In animal studies, ARMR-100 blocked 92% of fentanyl’s entry into the brain and eliminated its addictive behavioral effects.
Unlike reactive antidotes, this would provide months of protection – functioning like a biochemical shield.
The program is building on seven years of U.S. Department of Defense–funded research and is working to leverage proven vaccine components, such as carrier proteins already approved in licensed products and adjuvants tested in hundreds of clinical trials.
The Market and ARMR’s Mission
The potential reach is vast: 2.7 million Americans with opioid use disorder, over 2 million first responders and law enforcement officers, more than 18 million military personnel and veterans who experience higher rates of opioid use, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and more than 30 million high-risk young people.
A once or twice annual preventive shot could help transform national defense against fentanyl, making protection scalable across households, schools, hospitals, and security agencies.
The fentanyl crisis is no longer just a health issue – it’s a national security emergency. And we believe prevention, not rescue, may be the only path to saving a generation.
Why Investors Should Pay Attention
ARMR is more than a biotech startup – it is working to tackle America’s most urgent social and health crisis. This is a mission-driven company focused on building a preventive defense platform that could save thousands of lives each year:
- $30M private raise launched
- Seven years of DoD-backed research form the foundation
- Lead candidate ARMR-100 blocked 92% of fentanyl from entering the brain in preclinical studies
- A targeted exchange listing in the future
By investing in this round, investors have a chance to back a company whose mission is as much about impact as it is about growth potential.
This is a paid advertisement for ARMR’s private offering. Please read the offering circular at InvestARMR.com for additional information on the company and the risk factors related to the offering.
DISCLOSURES & DISCLAIMERS
CLIENT CONTENT: Carboncredits.com is not responsible for any content hosted on ARMR Sciences’ sites; it is ARMR Sciences’ responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE: Content is for educational, informational, and advertising purposes only and should NOT be construed as securities-related offers or solicitations. All content should be considered promotional and subject to disclosed conflicts of interest.
Do NOT rely on this as personalized investment advice. Do your own due diligence.
Carboncredits.com strongly recommends you consult a licensed or registered professional before making any investment decision.
REGULATORY STATUS: Neither Carboncredits.com nor any of its owners or employees is registered as a securities broker-dealer, broker, investment advisor, or IA representative with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities regulatory authority, or any self-regulatory organization.
CONTENT & COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE: Carboncredits.com has received compensation of thirty thousand dollars from ARMR Sciences for this sponsored content. You should assume we receive compensation as indicated for any purchases through links in this email via affiliate relationships, direct/indirect payments from companies or third parties who may own stock in or have other interests in promoted companies. We may purchase, sell, or hold long or short positions without notice in securities mentioned in this communication.
RESULTS NOT TYPICAL: Past performance and results are unverified and NOT indicative of future results. Results presented are NOT guaranteed as TYPICAL. Market conditions and individual circumstances vary significantly. Actual results will vary widely. Investing in securities is speculative and carries high risk; you may lose some, all, or possibly more than your original investment.
HIGH-RISK: Securities discussed may be highly speculative investments subject to extreme volatility, limited liquidity, and potential total loss. The Securities are suitable only for persons who can afford to lose their entire investment. Furthermore, investors must understand that such investment could be illiquid for an indefinite period of time. No public market currently exists for the securities, and if a public market develops, it may not continue.
Disclosure: Owners, members, directors, and employees of carboncredits.com have/may have stock or option positions in any of the companies mentioned: None.
Carboncredits.com receives compensation for this publication and has a business relationship with any company whose stock(s) is/are mentioned in this article.
Additional disclosure: This communication serves the sole purpose of adding value to the research process and is for information only. Please do your own due diligence. Every investment in securities mentioned in publications of carboncredits.com involves risks that could lead to a total loss of the invested capital.
Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.
The post Fentanyl – A National Security Crisis Demanding Prevention appeared first on Carbon Credits.
Analysis: India’s power-sector CO2 falls for only second time in half a century
One Carbon World joins Carbon Markets Africa Summit as Official Climate Impact Partner
Guest post: Is climate change making UK droughts worse?
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Spanish-language misinformation on renewable energy spreads online, report shows
-
Climate Change Videos2 years ago
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
-
Greenhouse Gases1 year ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change1 year ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Carbon Footprint1 year agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits
-
Climate Change1 month ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Why airlines are perfect targets for anti-greenwashing legal action
-
Renewable Energy2 months ago
US Grid Strain, Possible Allete Sale