The 2026 World Cup: A Major Environmental Concern
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is at risk of becoming the most environmentally damaging football tournament in history. This warning comes from a report titled FIFA’s Climate Blind Spot, which highlights the significant increase in carbon emissions due to the expanded format, geographical spread, and heavy reliance on air travel.
According to the study conducted by the New Weather Institute, the next World Cup is expected to produce at least nine million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, nearly double the average of previous tournaments between 2010 and 2022, which was around 4.7 million tonnes. In more extreme scenarios, this number could rise to 15 million tonnes, making it one of the most polluting events in sports history.
More Teams, More Matches, More Emissions
One of the primary reasons for this surge in emissions is the expansion of the tournament format. For the first time, the World Cup will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, representing a 63% increase compared to earlier editions. This change means more travel, more spectators, and increased pressure on infrastructure. The report emphasizes that this growth will lead to a significant increase in emissions, particularly from air travel, which is already the main source of pollution for the event.
The logistical challenges are also a major concern. Unlike previous tournaments held in a single country, the 2026 World Cup will take place in 16 cities across North America, spread over thousands of kilometers. This will require teams, journalists, and millions of fans to rely heavily on air travel. In fact, the report estimates that air travel alone will generate over 7.7 million tonnes of CO₂, accounting for the majority of total emissions.
In addition, emissions linked to flights could rise by between 160% and 325% compared to previous tournaments, solidifying transport as the main climate issue for the event.
A Model That Is Hard to Justify
Although the tournament will not require the construction of new stadiums, which helps reduce its environmental impact, the report argues that the real problem lies in the structural model of the competition. It is growing larger, more global, and increasingly dependent on long-distance travel.
This is further compounded by the lack of sustainable alternatives. Unlike Europe or Asia, North America lacks extensive high-speed rail networks that could help reduce the carbon footprint of transportation. The report also questions FIFA’s climate strategy, accusing the organization of having a “blind spot” when it comes to the environmental crisis. According to the authors, there is a clear gap between FIFA’s sustainability pledges and the reality of its decisions, such as expanding the tournament or selecting widely scattered host cities.
They even warn that the 2026 World Cup could worsen the climate crisis rather than help mitigate it, especially at a time when the world is calling for urgent cuts in emissions.
What Does FIFA Say?
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) claims that the 2026 World Cup will be accompanied by a sustainability strategy focused on reducing environmental impacts and leaving a “positive legacy” in the host cities. On its website, the organization states that it will promote sustainable construction standards in stadiums and temporary infrastructure, encourage the use of public transport, and seek to cut waste, energy consumption, and emissions associated with the tournament.
It also maintains that the host cities will play a key role in implementing long-term climate measures and promoting more sustainable practices beyond the competition itself. However, the report, produced in partnership with Scientists for Global Responsibility, Environmental Defense Fund, and The Sport for Climate Action Network, warns that these measures are unlikely to offset the tournament’s structural impact.
Conclusion
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to address climate change, the 2026 World Cup raises important questions about the environmental cost of large-scale sporting events. While FIFA has made commitments to sustainability, the report suggests that these efforts may not be enough to counteract the significant increase in emissions caused by the tournament’s scale and logistics. The challenge now is to find a balance between hosting a global event and minimizing its environmental footprint.
