The 2026 FIFA World Cup is projected to be the most polluting sporting event in history. Expanding to 48 teams across Canada, Mexico, and the United States increases travel distances for millions of fans and athletes, driving CO2 emissions to an estimated five to nine million tons. While FIFA previously pledged to reduce and offset emissions, critics point to the tournament's growth as a contradiction to climate goals. The environmental cost is driven primarily by aviation, with the vast geographic spread of venues significantly increasing the total carbon footprint compared to previous tournaments.
