FIFA President Gianni Infantino flew over 100 hours across North America during the 2026 World Cup, according to an AP analysis of flight logs. The private Gulfstream G650 jet covered nearly 60,000 miles, crossing 21 airports and 23 international borders. FIFA has pledged to cut World Cup emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2040. Climate researchers argue the expanded three-country tournament is the most carbon-intensive World Cup ever due to extensive air travel for teams, fans, and officials. Infantino's personal travel pattern, including a side trip to Qatar for a funeral, highlights the gap between organizational climate pledges and leadership behavior. The article raises questions about how FIFA plans to reconcile its sustainability strategy with the logistical demands of a 104-match tournament spread across 16 cities.
