The Environmental Impact of the 2026 World Cup
With increased air travel and energy demands for cooling systems, the upcoming World Cup is likely to have a significant environmental footprint.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by 16 cities in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, is expected to attract 5.5 million fans. This tournament will be the first to be held across an entire continent, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.
According to research from the Scientists for Global Responsibility, the expanded tournament will generate over nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, making it the most climate-damaging World Cup in history.
It’s the beautiful game.
The large environmental footprint of the tournament is a concern, with the increased number of matches and teams contributing to higher carbon emissions.
Key Facts:
- 5.5 million fans expected to attend the tournament
- 48 teams and 104 matches
- 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent to be generated
Author's summary: The 2026 World Cup will have a significant environmental impact due to increased air travel and energy demands.
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