The 2026 FIFA World Cup could generate approximately 7.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions equivalent, according to new research, placing fresh scrutiny on the environmental cost of the largest football tournament ever staged.
The report suggests emissions from next summer’s tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico could exceed the officially reported footprint of Qatar 2022 by more than 4 million tonnes.
Researchers argue that the biggest climate challenge facing the tournament may not be stadium construction or infrastructure but the enormous volume of spectator travel.
Fan Travel Could Generate Nearly 6.82 Million Tonnes Of Emissions
According to analysis from Greenly, approximately 87% of total World Cup emissions could come directly from spectator travel, equal to roughly 6.82 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
Researchers estimate this travel footprint alone is comparable to the annual carbon emissions produced by around 725,000 people.
The study found that international visitors, while expected to account for only around 35% of total attendances, could generate approximately 74% of travel-related emissions.
Across international visitors, average round-trip journeys are projected to reach approximately 19,400 kilometers per supporter.
Expanded Tournament Creates Bigger Environmental Challenge
The 2026 tournament will become the largest World Cup in history with 48 national teams and 104 matches, representing 40 more games than Qatar 2022.
Unlike Qatar’s relatively compact geography, the tournament will be spread across 16 host cities in three countries, dramatically increasing travel requirements for teams, supporters and staff.
Researchers argue that geography rather than infrastructure is becoming the dominant environmental factor for mega sporting events.
Football’s expansion model increasingly creates challenges for organizers trying to balance commercial growth with sustainability commitments.
Infrastructure Emissions Lower But Climate Questions Remain
One notable difference compared with Qatar 2022 is infrastructure development.
While Qatar constructed seven new stadiums specifically for the tournament, researchers estimate infrastructure-related emissions for World Cup 2026 could represent only around 3.1% of total emissions because organizers will primarily use existing NFL and major sports venues.
FIFA previously committed to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2040 through climate initiatives announced under international sustainability frameworks.
However, researchers note that FIFA has not yet published updated emissions estimates reflecting the expanded 104-match format, leaving questions over whether future climate targets remain achievable under increasingly larger tournament models.
