The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to generate up to 9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, making it the most polluting tournament yet. Air travel accounts for 85-87% of emissions due to the expanded 48-team format across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Infrastructure emissions are low because existing NFL and major league venues are used, unlike the Qatar 2022 construction boom. Clean energy measures are modest. Hydrogen fuel-cell buses from Ballard Power Systems will transport fans in California via the Riverside Transit Agency. Tournament organizers rely on solar panels, LEED-certified stadiums, and public transport integration. Carbon capture is deemed impractical for the event. Brewing sponsor AB InBev uses carbon capture at its breweries and aims for renewable heat sources like biogas or green hydrogen. Overall, the article highlights the tension between a massive global event and real decarbonization progress. The small sustainable energy wins show how far the sports industry still has to go in cutting emissions.
