The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams and over 100 matches, making it much larger than previous editions. While this means more excitement for fans, it also means more travel, more energy use, and more pollution.
Reports suggest the tournament could generate over 9 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, making it the most polluting World Cup ever.
That figure is nearly double the average emissions from recent tournaments, showing just how much the event has grown.
Travel is the biggest problem
The biggest reason behind the high emissions is travel. Matches will be played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, meaning fans and teams will need to fly long distances.
Air travel alone could produce a huge share of emissions in some estimates, millions of tonnes by itself.
In past tournaments too, transport has been the biggest contributor. For example, more than half of emissions at the 2022 World Cup came from travel.
Comparing recent World Cups
Here’s a simple look at how emissions compare:
| Tournament | Estimated CO₂ Emissions | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 World Cup | ~2.1 million tonnes | Travel + stadium use |
| 2022 World Cup | ~3.6–3.8 million tonnes | Construction + travel |
| 2026 World Cup | 9+ million tonnes (expected) | Travel across 3 countries |
More matches, more impact
Each individual match also adds to the problem. A single World Cup game can produce tens of thousands of tonnes of CO₂, mainly from fans travelling and stadium energy use.
With over 100 matches planned, the total impact quickly rises.
Other hidden factors
It’s not just travel. Other things also increase pollution:
- Stadium upgrades and construction
- Energy use in hot weather (cooling systems)
- Accommodation and fan activities
- Sponsorship deals linked to high-carbon industries
Some studies even suggest that sponsorship-related activities could add millions more tonnes of emissions on top of the main event.
Growing concern for the future
As football continues to grow, so does its environmental impact. While governing bodies have promised to reduce emissions in the future, critics argue that bigger tournaments are moving in the opposite direction.
The 2026 World Cup is expected to be a celebration of football on a global scale but it also raises an important question: can the sport continue to grow without harming the planet?
For now, the numbers suggest that the cost of the world’s biggest football tournament is not just financial but environmental too.
