When Bigger Isn't Better: The Hidden Costs of 2026 World Cup

FIFA's expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams across three countries has created unprecedented challenges and costs for fans, teams, and host cities. With average attendance costs exceeding $5,000 in the US alone and travelers forced to rely on flights instead of public transit, accessibility is plummeting while environmental impact surges. The tournament's scale signals that only the world's wealthiest nations will be able to host future tournaments solo.