Research indicates the 2026 FIFA World Cup will generate between five and nine million tonnes of CO2, far exceeding previous tournaments and the Paris Olympics. The increase is driven by an expanded 48 team format and the vast geographical distances between venues in the US, Canada, and Mexico. While FIFA previously pledged to reduce and offset emissions, critics point to the inherent contradiction of expanding the tournament scale. The heavy reliance on air travel for millions of fans and teams remains the primary driver of the event's massive carbon footprint.
