The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a major environmental challenge. Expected to generate nearly 9 million tons of carbon dioxide, it might be the most polluting tournament ever. A big part of this impact involves air travel, which is projected to account for about 7.7 million tons of CO2. This is more than four times the average emissions from past World Cups between 2010 and 2022. If air transport goes to the worst-case scenario, we could see up to 13.7 million tons.
One reason for these rising emissions is FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament from 32 teams to 48 and select three large host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Even with a better train system, the distances fans will travel make it hard to find low-carbon transportation options.
While the 9 million tons of emissions may seem small compared to the 5.9 billion tons of CO2 the U.S. emitted in 2025 alone, it’s important to address the environmental impact. Criticism of FIFA’s practices, often called “greenwashing,” is mounting. This term refers to companies that make bold claims about being eco-friendly without taking real action. Activists are winning court cases against these misleading practices, calling attention to a growing issue.
FIFA’s past actions have shown a lack of genuine commitment to sustainability. In 2022, FIFA President Gianni Infantino encouraged fans to post online messages about protecting the environment, all while the tournament in Qatar was heavily criticized for its carbon footprint. Qatar’s events resulted in over 1,000 flights a day and reliance on energy-intensive systems for water purification.
The 2026 World Cup poses unique challenges, especially with extreme temperatures predicted during the games. The National Weather Service warns that many U.S. regions will see higher-than-average summer temperatures. Studies indicate that at least 26 matches might be played in heat conditions that threaten player safety. The wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), which factors in humidity and direct sunlight, could exceed safe levels during games.
Experts, like Dr. Madeleine Orr from the University of Toronto, stress the need for planning around extreme weather. Her insights highlight that event organizers should prioritize safety for all, not just players. She points out that heat and humidity are typical for North American summers and that the current safety measures seem insufficient.
FIFA plans to mitigate heat effects by scheduling many matches in the evening and introducing hydration breaks during games. However, the organization has faced criticism, even for commercializing these breaks with advertising slots. Such efforts, viewed by some as half-hearted, might not address the broader climate crisis effectively.
In conclusion, as we look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the need for real action on climate change has never been clearer. While FIFA makes noise about sustainability, it appears there’s more talk than action. The upcoming tournament could serve as a crucial moment for the world to demand better environmental practices in sports.
For further insights into the impact of global events like the World Cup on the environment, you can explore trusted sources like the IPCC report on climate change.
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world cup 2026, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprint, air travel emissions, environmental impact
