The 2026 FIFA World Cup is projected to be the most polluting sporting event in history. With an expansion to 48 teams and venues spread across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, air travel for fans and athletes is expected to drive CO2 emissions to between five and nine million tonnes. Environmental experts highlight a growing gap between FIFA's climate pledges and the actual scale of its tournaments. While the Olympics have worked to reduce their carbon footprints, the World Cup's expansion and vast geographic spread create a cycle of increasing emissions that challenge global sustainability goals.
