The costs and challenges facing the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup faces challenges including heat, cost, environmental impact, and travel restrictions, according to BBC Analysis Editor Ros Atkins.
The World Cup officially kicked off this week, but alongside the football, there are questions around heat, cost, the environmental impact, and travel restrictions. BBC Analysis Editor Ros Atkins takes a look at the challenges facing this year's tournament. The 2026 World Cup is hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first tournament co-hosted by three nations. Many matches will be played in locations with high temperatures, raising concerns about player health and match scheduling. Meanwhile, the enormous costs, including stadium construction and infrastructure, raise questions about financial returns. Environmental activists criticize the tournament's carbon footprint, exacerbated by intercontinental flights and large-scale events. Additionally, travel restrictions and visa regimes may complicate movement for fans and teams across the three host countries.
