A new study from Loughborough University, the University of Bristol, and the University of Manchester estimates the 2026 FIFA World Cup will produce over 9 million tonnes of CO2e, making it the most polluting tournament in history. The expanded 48 team format with 104 matches across 16 cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico drives a 160% to 325% increase in air travel emissions compared to past World Cups. The study highlights a growing contradiction for global football. Tournament expansion and rising commercial revenues are pushing emissions higher while the sport faces increasing vulnerability to climate impacts. Transportation remains the hardest sector to decarbonize for major events, unlike stadium operations which can shift to renewable electricity.
