The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year, is set to be the most polluting tournament to date, generating more than 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), a new study has suggested.
According to the study, FIFA’s Climate Blind Spot: The Men’s World Cup in a Warming World, by Scientists for Global Responsibility, the Environmental Defense Fund, Cool Down – the Sport for Climate Action Network, and the New Weather Institute, the emissions generated by the 2026 tournament will be almost double the average emissions from the last four World Cups, held between 2010 and 2022.
This is largely due to the increase in the number of matches in the expanded tournament, from 64 to 104, as well as the geographical spread of the three host countries.
Air travel is therefore set to be the largest contributor to emissions, responsible for over 7.7 million tCO2e.
‘Take responsibility’
“FIFA must take responsibility for its growing role in the climate crisis,” commented Dr Stuart Parkinson of Scientists for Global Responsibility and lead author of the research. “The 2026 World Cup is set to be the most polluting ever, and future tournaments are planned to continue the substantial reliance on air travel and other high-carbon activities.
“With the climate crisis rapidly deepening, the only sensible response is for FIFA to take immediate action to markedly reduce tournament emissions.”
Heat stress
In addition, the current FIFA Club World Cup has highlighted the potential for extreme heat stress during the tournament, with the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, for example, experiencing 37 days a year above 35°C.
According to the report, half (8 out of 16) of the venues set to be used during the tournament require ‘immediate environmental intervention’ to prevent harm to players and fans alike.
The report also adds that if the emissions attributable to FIFA’s sponsorship deals are also taken into account, the total climate impact of the World Cup rises significantly – referencing in particular FIFA sponsor Aramco, the Saudi Arabian state-owned oil company.
Beyond the 2026 tournament, the study projects that the 2030 World Cup, led by Spain, will result in over 6 million tCO2e, while the 2034 Saudi-hosted tournament could emit over 8.5 million tCO2e.
Carbon bill
“The World Cup unites us around a shared love of the game—but it also carries a heavy carbon bill,” added Samran Ali, Environmental Defense Fund. “That cost isn’t abstract: from rising temperatures to stronger storms, it’s felt by communities already facing the consequences of climate change.
“For events of this scale, environmental responsibility cannot be an afterthought. We need transparent accounting and real emissions cuts—backed by binding standards, credible limits, and partnerships that reflect serious climate ambition.” Read more here.
Read more: World Rugby making ‘tangible progress’ to reduce sport’s environmental impact
