The report warns that the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico could double emissions compared to previous ones due to the increase in the number of teams, matches, and flights.
The 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, could become the most harmful tournament for the climate in the history of football. This is stated in the report FIFA's Climate Blind Spot, which emphasizes that the expansion of the format, greater dispersion of host cities, and reliance on air travel will sharply increase its climate impact.
According to a study prepared by the New Weather Institute, the upcoming World Cup will lead to at least nine million tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions — almost double the average figure of tournaments held from 2010 to 2022, which was around 4.7 million tons. In broader scenarios, emissions could rise to 15 million tons, making this event one of the most polluting in the history of sports.
More Teams, More Matches, More Emissions
One of the key factors is the change in format. For the first time in history, 48 teams will participate in the World Cup, and 104 matches will be played — a 63% increase compared to previous tournaments. Such growth means more travel, more fans, and additional strain on infrastructure. The report emphasizes that the expansion of the format will lead to a significant increase in emissions, primarily from air travel, which is already the main source of pollution associated with the tournament.
The most critical issue remains logistics. Unlike tournaments concentrated in one country, the 2026 World Cup will take place in 16 cities across the North American continent, thousands of kilometers apart. This will virtually force teams, journalists, and millions of fans to use airplanes as their primary mode of transport. According to the authors' estimates, air travel will account for over 7.7 million tons of CO₂, making up the overwhelming majority of all emissions.
Moreover, emissions associated with flights could increase by 160% to 325% compared to previous tournaments, solidifying transport's status as the main climate issue of this event.
A Model That Is Hard to Justify
Although the tournament will not require the mass construction of new stadiums, which partially reduces its environmental impact, the report notes that the real problem is structural: it is a competition model that is becoming increasingly larger, more global, and reliant on long-distance flights.
This is compounded by the lack of sustainable alternatives. Unlike Europe or Asia, North America does not have a developed network of high-speed railways that would help reduce the carbon footprint from transport.
The report also questions FIFA's climate strategy: the organization is accused of having a "blind spot" regarding the environmental crisis. According to the authors, there is a clear gap between FIFA's declarations of commitment to sustainability and the reality of its decisions — such as the expansion of the tournament or the choice of widely dispersed venues.
Researchers warn that the 2026 World Cup could exacerbate the climate crisis rather than mitigate it, while calls for urgent emissions reductions grow louder around the world.
What Does FIFA Say?
The International Football Federation (FIFA), for its part, claims that the 2026 World Cup will be accompanied by a sustainability strategy aimed at reducing environmental impact and leaving a "positive legacy" in the host cities. On its website, the organization assures that it will promote sustainable construction standards for stadiums and temporary infrastructure, encourage the use of public transport, and strive to reduce waste, energy consumption, and tournament-related emissions.
Additionally, FIFA emphasizes that the host cities will play a key role in implementing long-term climate measures and promoting more sustainable practices that will persist even after the competition ends. However, the report, prepared with the participation of organizations such as Scientists for Global Responsibility, Environmental Defense Fund, and The Sport for Climate Action Network, warns that these steps are unlikely to offset the structural impact of the tournament on the climate.
