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.

• RELATED: Liverpool FC’s Biggest Goal Yet: Leading Soccer’s Race to Net Zero

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.

• READ MORE: How Soccer’s Carbon Footprint Adds Up: A Closer Look at the Global Game Called Football

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