"3 countries. 16 stadiums. 104 matches. 2026 World Cup Set To Become ‘Most Polluting’ Games Ever"

"As nearly 300,000 fans prepare to arrive in Los Angeles for the men’s World Cup soccer championship in mid-June, the international soccer federation is coming under fire for what climate scientists and advocates are calling the most polluting World Cup in history.

This year’s event is being held in 16 stadiums across three giant countries: Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

That’s despite the fact that climate change is worsening, the risk of playing in dangerous heat is rising and the federation, FIFA, has a commitment to reduce its carbon emissions 50% by 2030.

“It’s the sheer amount of travel involved in this tournament,” said Freddie Daley, a researcher at the University of Sussex.

Even more than the geography, this year’s event also includes 60% more games than in the past; FIFA expanded the number of teams from 32 to 48, so some 5 million fans will be traveling from around the world to watch."

Blanca Begert reports for the Los Angeles Times May 18, 2026. [2]