The Environmental Cost of the 2026 World Cup
The upcoming World Cup in North America is projected to be the highest-emitting tournament in history, with the research organization Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) estimating emissions at 9 million tons of CO2 equivalents. This surge is attributed to an expanded 48-team format and vast travel distances across the United States and Canada, according to SGR.
Other researchers suggest the final toll could reach nearly 14 million tons of CO2 equivalents. These figures are double the average emissions of World Cups since 2000. For comparison, the 9-million-ton estimate equals the total 2024 emissions of all passenger cars in Sweden.
Why will the North American World Cup have record carbon emissions?
Geography is the primary driver. This is the first tournament played across an entire continent, creating massive distances between host cities on the east and west coasts. Air travel is cited as the largest contributor to the projected carbon footprint.
The expanded tournament size also plays a significant role. FIFA increased the number of participating countries from 32 to 48. This increase in teams necessitates more flights and longer stays across the region.
The logistical burden is evident in specific team itineraries. Bosnia-Herzegovina, for example, would travel from Toronto for its first group match, then to Los Angeles, and finally to Seattle. This route exceeds 5,000 kilometers in flights, excluding additional travel to their base in Salt Lake City.
How does the FIFA Aramco deal impact the environment?
In 2024, FIFA entered into an agreement with the Saudi oil giant Aramco. This deal occurred despite protests from players, particularly within the women’s game.
SGR analyzed the partnership and concluded the deal could increase emissions by up to 30 million tons of CO2 equivalents during 2026. This follows a history of disputed climate claims, such as the “carbon neutral” designation for the Qatar World Cup, which experts dismissed as nonsense.
The tournament arrives as the U.S. continues significant carbon output. The country produces nearly 6 billion tons of CO2 emissions annually. Recently, Donald Trump announced a 700 million dollar investment in new coal plants.
What safety measures are being implemented for extreme heat?
Extreme heat is expected to impact match play. As a result, “cooling breaks” or water pauses will be mandatory during the North American tournament.
The Swedish national team recently practiced these breaks during a match against Greece. While current breaks last three minutes, some researchers are calling for them to be extended to six minutes to ensure player safety.
These measures serve as a physical manifestation of the climate crisis during the event. Analysts suggest that the necessity of these breaks highlights the ongoing warming of the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the estimated carbon emissions for the North American World Cup?
SGR estimates emissions at 9 million tons of CO2 equivalents, while other researchers believe the total could reach nearly 14 million tons.
Why are emissions higher for this tournament than previous ones?
The increase is due to the tournament being spread across a continent, the massive distances between U.S. and Canadian cities, and the expansion from 32 to 48 teams.
What is the impact of the FIFA and Aramco partnership?
According to SGR, the deal with the Saudi oil giant could increase emissions by up to 30 million tons of CO2 equivalents in 2026.
How do you feel about the balance between expanding sports tournaments and reducing their environmental impact?