The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to produce an estimated 7.8 million tonnes of CO2e, more than double the emissions of the 2022 tournament in Qatar. According to carbon accounting firm Greenly, air travel accounts for roughly 88% of the total footprint, driven by matches spread across three countries and the expansion to 48 teams and 104 matches. The average international fan will travel about 19,400 km round trip, far more than in previous tournaments. FIFA has committed to halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2040, but the scale of this event raises questions about whether those targets are realistic. The tournament has not yet announced a dedicated offset program, and FIFA's partnership with oil producer Aramco has drawn criticism. Future World Cups in 2030 and 2034 may produce even higher emissions due to longer travel distances and new infrastructure demands. Critics warn that the growing carbon intensity of the World Cup contradicts FIFA's climate pledges. Without stronger measures to reduce travel emissions or invest in credible offsets, the tournament's environmental impact will continue to rise. The article highlights a tension between expanding the event and meeting climate goals.
