Dr Madeleine Orr is a leading sport and climate expert who believes the 2026 World Cup "sends a dangerous message about the intentions of Fifa and other events to just get bigger and bigger".
Next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada will be the first to be held across an entire continent, feature 48 teams and have 104 matches - 40 more than before. Fifa is considering expanding the tournament to 64 teams for the 2030 edition.
"It's completely misaligned with the promises [Fifa] have made publicly to reduce emissions," says Dr Orr, assistant professor of sport ecology at the University of Toronto. "At this point, it's damage control."
In their original bid for the 2026 World Cup, the three prospective host nations hoped the event would "establish new standards for environmental sustainability" and deliver "measurable environmental benefits".
But Dr Orr is sceptical.
"If the new standard is the most carbon-intensive event ever, then yeah," she says with sarcasm. "No, I don't think that's possible," she adds.
Recent research from the Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) calculated the expanded tournament will generate more than nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, making it the most "climate damaging" edition in the tournament's history.
It could also be one of the hottest. In total, 14 of the 16 host cities for the World Cup are expected to be vulnerable to extreme heat during the tournament. Dr Orr believes that from 12pm to 4pm, many of these venues would be "virtually unplayable".
Fifa has suggested adjusting kick-off times and relying on a handful of stadiums with roofs - their plans will become clearer after December's World Cup draw - but critics argue the risk extends beyond the pitch.
"I'm not worried about the athletes," Dr Orr explained. "I worry about 45,000 to 85,000 fans, the 10,000 staff and media personnel who are on site for prolonged periods.
"It's going to be a challenge to figure out how to keep people safe. It is a conversation that's being had, but as of today there is no firm plan on that."
