FIFA World Cup 2026 to be most climate-damaging ever: Report
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and while football fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the tournament, scientists have sounded the alarm about its disastrous impact on the environment. According to a recent report by Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR), the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the most climate-damaging ever in the history of the tournament.
The report, which analyzed the projected carbon footprint of the 48-team tournament, estimates that a staggering nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent will be generated during the event. This is a significant increase from previous tournaments, which have struggled to mitigate their environmental impact.
So, what’s behind this alarming figure? According to SGR, the main culprits are the high reliance on air travel and the significant increase in the number of matches. With 48 teams participating in the tournament, the need for international travel has increased exponentially, leading to a substantial rise in greenhouse gas emissions.
“It’s unacceptable that the FIFA World Cup, one of the most popular and lucrative sporting events in the world, is being allowed to ignore its massive carbon footprint,” said Dr. Paul Steele, a climate scientist at the University of Oxford and a member of SGR. “We urge FIFA to take immediate action to reduce the environmental impact of the tournament, including reducing travel and promoting sustainable practices.”
The environmental impact of the World Cup is not a new concern. Previous tournaments have faced criticism for their carbon footprint, with some events struggling to meet their own sustainability targets. The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, for example, emitted an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of CO2, despite promises to reduce emissions by 30%.
However, the 2026 tournament is expected to be even more challenging due to the increased number of teams and matches. The 48-team format, which was introduced for the first time in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, is expected to result in a significant increase in travel and energy consumption.
FIFA has taken some steps to address the environmental impact of the tournament, including partnering with environmental organizations and implementing sustainability initiatives. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to mitigate the tournament’s carbon footprint.
In an effort to reduce emissions, FIFA has introduced a range of sustainability initiatives, including the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, energy-efficient lighting, and recycling programs. The organization has also partnered with environmental organizations, such as the United Nations Environment Programme, to promote sustainable practices.
However, despite these efforts, many experts argue that more needs to be done to address the tournament’s environmental impact. “FIFA needs to take a more proactive approach to reducing the environmental impact of the World Cup,” said Dr. Steele. “This includes reducing travel, promoting sustainable practices, and investing in renewable energy.”
The report’s findings are a wake-up call for FIFA and the football community as a whole. As the global climate crisis continues to escalate, it’s more important than ever that major sporting events take their environmental impact seriously.
In conclusion, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the most climate-damaging ever in the history of the tournament. With nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent projected to be generated, it’s clear that something needs to be done to address the environmental impact of the event. FIFA and the football community must take immediate action to reduce emissions, promote sustainable practices, and invest in renewable energy.
