FIFA World Cup 2026: Waterloo experts discuss impacts beyond the games

“Share From crowded transit to rising emissions, Waterloo researchers unpack the complex realities of hosting a global mega-event As Canada prepares to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, excitement is building for one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events. The tournament will bring billions of fans together in a shared global moment, but beyond the spectacle, it will also place extraordinary demands on host cities and their communities. At the University of Waterloo, researchers are examining what the World Cup will mean not just for sports fans, but for infrastructure, the environment and society at large. Their insights reveal that while the event promises unforgettable moments on the field, its impacts off the field are far more complex. For Dr. Jeff Casello, a researcher in the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Environment, transportation will be one of the most immediate pressure points. Toronto’s transit system already struggles to meet everyday demand, and the influx of visitors will only intensify the strain. “Toronto is already experiencing challenges in handling the existing demand on a day-by-day basis, so when you suddenly introduce 30 or 40 per cent more transportation activity, it’s going to exacerbate the situation,” he says. “It's therefore critical to get people to rethink how they travel and avoid using their car. Metrolinx and the TTC are ramping up service, so people who would normally drive into the city should consider transit — or even working from home.” For those navigating the system during the games, the experience itself will be noticeably different. “Trains that are normally not crowded are going to be packed. You might have to wait one, two or even three trains, which could mean waiting 45 minutes after a game ends before you can board. With the TTC running at full capacity — about one train every two minutes — it’s important for people to move through the system safely. Holding doors or trying to squeeze in might seem harmless, but it can cause delays and create safety risks.” While transit disruptions are highly visible, other impacts are less obvious. Dr. Phil Boyle from the Faculty of Arts points to broader questions about priorities and trade-offs that often go overlooked when cities host mega-events. “It’s not just about the games, it’s about priorities. People should be asking what public services or projects are not moving forward because money and attention are being directed toward a mega-event. There’s also a bigger question about why it often takes something like the World Cup to finally unlock funding for infrastructure that should already be in place.” Boyle also highlights how large-scale events can magnify existing social inequalities. “Large events can make existing inequalities more visible. Cities often try to manage how they present themselves on a global stage, especially when it comes to issues like homelessness and poverty. But those efforts can end up pushing already marginalized people further out of sight and further to the margins.” Environmental considerations are another major dimension. Dr. Jennifer Lynes Murray from the Faculty of Environment emphasizes that the largest share of the event’s carbon footprint will come not from stadiums themselves, but from the global movement of people. “From an environmental perspective, the biggest impact comes from travel, which includes the players, media, vendors and fans moving to and from events. That accounts for about 90 per cent of live event CO2 emissions. So even if you make the stadium as green as possible, the overall footprint is still largely driven by transportation.” Still, she notes that events of this scale can create opportunities to model better practices — if they are implemented effectively. “These kinds of events can show what’s possible and influence how other organizations approach sustainability. But it takes coordination at every level. It’s not enough to have goals at the top — everyone involved must understand them and follow through for it to work.” On the ground, there are tangible steps that can help reduce local environmental impacts, even if they can’t fully offset the effects of international travel. “At the local level, there are things that help. Electrifying vehicle fleets, making venues easy to reach by public transit and providing bike parking can all reduce emissions around the event itself. Those are important steps, but they don’t change the broader impact of international travel.” As Toronto and Vancouver prepare to welcome a global audience, the World Cup will test more than athletic performance. It will challenge infrastructure, expose trade-offs and prompt deeper questions about sustainability and equity — making it as much a reflection of civic priorities as it is a celebration of sport. Arts Engineering Environment Research Societal Futures Sustainable Futures Technological Futures Share

Summary generated from the RSS feed of University of Waterloo News. All article rights belong to the original publisher. Click through to read the full piece on uwaterloo.ca/news.