2026 FIFA World Cup: The Most Climate-Damaging Tournament, Says Report

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July 9, 2025

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2026 FIFA World Cup: The Most Climate-Damaging Tournament, Says Report

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be the most climate-damaging soccer tournament ever, according to a new report. Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR), in partnership with the Sport for Climate Action Network and the Environmental Defence Fund, has raised concerns about the massive carbon footprint of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, up from 32 in previous tournaments. This expansion means more matches – 104 in total – compared to earlier World Cups. Additionally, the tournament will take place across three large countries, requiring significant travel for teams, officials, and staff.

According to the SGR report, these factors will lead to a staggering nine million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions. This is almost double the average emissions of the last four World Cups and much higher than the 5.25 million tons of CO2e produced during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

A major reason for this increase is the heavy reliance on air travel. With matches spread across cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, teams and officials will need to fly long distances. For example, traveling between host cities like Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City creates a significant carbon footprint. Moreover, the increased number of games adds to the overall environmental impact, as each match requires energy for stadiums, transportation, and other operations.

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FIFA has made bold commitments to reduce its environmental impact. The organization aims to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. In the past, FIFA has highlighted efforts to lower the carbon footprint of its tournaments.

When the U.S., Canada, and Mexico submitted their bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they estimated emissions at 3.6 million tons of CO2e. However, this figure was based on a smaller tournament with 80 matches. The decision to expand to 48 teams and 104 matches came later, significantly increasing the expected carbon footprint. This change has made it harder for FIFA to meet its climate goals for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The SGR report highlights that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will produce far more emissions than recent tournaments. For comparison, the 2022 Qatar World Cup generated 5.25 million tons of CO2e. While Qatar’s tournament also faced criticism for its environmental impact, the 2026 event is projected to be even more harmful due to its scale and travel demands. The last four World Cups averaged about half the emissions expected for 2026, making this upcoming tournament a major challenge for FIFA’s sustainability efforts.

Several factors contribute to the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s massive carbon footprint. First, the expansion to 48 teams means more matches, which require more energy for stadium operations, lighting, and broadcasting. Second, the geographic spread of the host countries – spanning thousands of miles – makes air travel unavoidable. Unlike smaller host nations, where teams could travel by road or train, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will rely heavily on flights. Finally, the construction and operation of stadiums, even those meeting green standards, add to the overall emissions.

Despite the challenges, FIFA has taken steps to address environmental concerns. The organization has invested in recycling programs, waste reduction, and energy-efficient stadium designs. However, the scale of the FIFA World Cup makes these efforts less effective. The increased number of matches and long-distance travel overshadow many of FIFA’s sustainability measures. As a result, the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains a significant hurdle in achieving FIFA’s long-term climate goals.