The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, which is to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the largest in the history of the event at 95 years. However, it will also be the most environmentally harmful, a new report claims.
A report by Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR), the Environmental Defense Fund, and the Sport for Climate Action Network indicates that the tournament will produce more than 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), virtually twice the average emissions of the previous four World Cups.
With the climate emergency now accelerating very rapidly, the only reasonable response is for FIFA to act urgently to significantly cut tournament emissions,” stated lead author Dr. Stuart Parkinson.
Why the 2026 Tournament Will Emit More Carbon Than Ever
Several major factors are behind the enormous carbon footprint. The tournament is now 48 teams and 104 games across three nations. This translates into an increase in air travel by players, supporters, officials, and journalists.
FIFA’s initial estimate of 3.6 million tonnes of CO2e was made using plans for only 80 matches. The new projections now render it the most emission-intensive tournament ever, as per the report titled FIFA’s Climate Blind Spot.
The three primary issues pointed out by researchers are:
- Too many games
- Excessive air travel
- Carbon-intensive sponsorships
One of the most contentious topics is FIFA’s new sponsorship agreement with Aramco, the Saudi state oil behemoth. Experts say the tie-up would indirectly result in an extra 30 million tonnes of emissions thanks to fuel promotion.
“FIFA has secured a worse sponsor than tobacco, one culpable for huge oil emissions,” wrote Andrew Simms of Cool Down.
Health Risks at Host Stadiums Add to Worries
Beyond emissions, climate-related health risks also raise concern. Eight of the 16 stadiums lie in high-risk zones. For example, Dallas’s AT&T Stadium often faces extreme heat, breaching FIFA’s own safety limits. Houston’s NRG Stadium faces heat, flood risks, and wildfires, while Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium is vulnerable to hurricanes during storm season.
The 2030 and 2034 versions are also poised to set a new record in emissions. The 2030 World Cup will cover six nations on three continents, whereas the 2034 version will take place in Saudi Arabia alone. Both are likely to produce more than 6 million tonnes of CO2e each.
“These are not just projections of future damage; from increased temperatures to more intense storms, the effects of these emissions are not hypothetical,” said Environmental Defense Fund’s Samran Ali. “It’s already being experienced by communities on the climate frontlines.”
What FIFA Can Do Now
The report makes clear calls to action:
- Terminate deals with fossil fuel companies
- Reduce the number of matches
- Limit flights and unnecessary building
- Implement binding environmental laws
FIFA previously pledged to use the 2026 tournament as a model of sustainability, but the course it is on contradicts those assertions.
“Football can bring about global change, but only if it ceases to serve as a billboard for polluters,” Simms said.
