Climate Costs of the 2026 World Cup: Urging FIFA to Address Environmental Impact
The upcoming 48-team, three-country, 16-city soccer tournament is estimated to produce nine million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, nearly double the emissions of previous World Cups. The decision to expand the tournament and spread it across North America will result in significant climate costs that cannot be offset by host-city sustainability efforts. The team air travel alone will contribute to about 85% of the total emissions, with most teams covering thousands of miles between matches.
The lack of binding emissions limits for host cities and FIFA's decision not to address the environmental impact of spreading the tournament across North America have raised concerns among researchers. Urging FIFA to reverse the team expansion, set environmental standards, and end sponsorship deals with high-emitting companies like Aramco is crucial to mitigating the tournament's climate footprint.
The climate risks associated with the tournament are real, with extreme heat stress, flooding, and other weather-related challenges identified at various stadiums. The sustainability ranking of the 16 host cities highlights Vancouver as the top performer due to its renewable energy sources and excellent transit access. Boston and Mexico City also rank high, emphasizing the importance of long-term sustainability efforts in shaping the tournament's impact.
The lack of public transit access in many U.S. host cities poses a significant challenge to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts to address this issue, such as the sustainability plan for AT&T Stadium in Arlington and the charter bus system for Dallas-Fort Worth, demonstrate the need for infrastructure improvements beyond event-specific measures.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the focus shifts to the lasting impact of the tournament on host cities' infrastructure choices. The decisions made now, including investments in public transit, sustainable stadium renovations, and ongoing environmental programs, will shape the legacy of the event long after the final match. FIFA has the opportunity to make changes that reduce the tournament's environmental impact and ensure the well-being of players and fans.