Concerns Over 2026 FIFA World Cup’s Environmental Impact
Environmental organizations, activists, and climate scientists are raising alarms about the 2026 FIFA World Cup potentially being the most environmentally damaging sporting event ever. These worries intensified recently when FIFA disclosed that President Gianni Infantino often travels extensively to attend soccer matches.
The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) organizes the World Cup, a premier global soccer tournament that occurs every four years. This edition will take place across North America, specifically in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with the finals set for New Jersey.
Notably, this World Cup will see a historic shift, expanding the number of teams from 32 to 48. This change is expected to draw even more travelers worldwide, including team staff and fans from various nations such as Scotland, Cape Verde, and Curacao.
In comparison to the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, the North American tournament will include more participants and matches. Despite the increased distance, Infantino reportedly aims to be present at multiple games daily, relying on a private jet provided by a tournament sponsor.
After attending the opening match in Mexico City, Infantino immediately flew to Guadalajara for another game. His busy schedule also took him to Los Angeles and then to San Francisco and Vancouver over the following days for other matches.
FIFA acknowledged the demanding travel itinerary for Infantino, stating that they have regulations governing travel for their personnel. A FIFA spokesperson noted that the president travels frequently for tournament-related business, often working alongside relevant officials.
Travel arrangements can vary between commercial airlines and private charters based on efficiency and cost. FIFA covers these travel expenses.
Infantino’s reliance on a private jet has frustrated climate activists. Concerns around the environmental impact of the tournament have been voiced even before its commencement. A recent study by the New Weather Institute predicted that the 2026 World Cup will rank as one of the most polluting events in history. They specifically highlighted FIFA’s negligence regarding its environmental responsibilities.
The Institute estimates that the finals will generate around nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, marking it as the highest among upcoming tournaments. Following this year’s event, the 2030 World Cup will likely be hosted in Europe, with Spain leading, and Saudi Arabia slated for 2034.
Critics have raised issues over increasing emissions due to the expanded number of teams and the involvement of sponsors like Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco.
Reputable global platforms have echoed these environmental concerns. A carbon accounting service estimated that this World Cup could emit approximately 7.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, equating to the annual emissions from 1.7 million cars.
Fossil Free Football’s founder expressed similar apprehensions, labeling the World Cup as potentially the most polluting event humanity has ever organized. While he noted that no new stadiums are being built for this tournament, he pointed out that the vast distances between host cities would necessitate air travel for fans.
FIFA claims to be dedicated to sustainable development concerning climate and human rights. Their climate strategy outlines their commitment through tracking event emissions and carbon offsetting, although this practice often involves financial investments in “green” projects to mitigate perceived environmental harm.
In the climate strategy document, Infantino acknowledged the reality of the ongoing climate crisis, calling for immediate and sustainable action in response to this pressing challenge.
