Our Global Perspectives students have officially transitioned to their next unit, focusing on the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While FIFA has claimed that this tournament will be one of the most environmentally friendly events in history, a closer look at the numbers tells a more complicated story. With the tournament expanding from 32 to 48 teams, 104 professional matches will be played across three massive host nations: Canada, the USA, and Mexico.

As a result, the event is expected to generate a whopping 9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, with 7.7 million tonnes of that total coming solely from air travel as fans and teams transport themselves across North America.

Over the coming weeks, students will be critically analysing whether the massive environmental cost is worth the unforgettable experience for fans around the globe. They will explore whether there are more suitable, sustainable alternatives for hosting sporting events in the future.