The World Cup Connected and Entertained the World, But Left a Record Environmental Footprint

The World Cup ends, and with it, weeks of many emotions, meetings, passion and multicultural coexistence. An excuse to gather with family, community and be together beyond political, economic or social differences. These are spaces that also generate global visibility, investment and opportunities for cities and countries. That is valuable.

Unkept Promises

But it is important to recognize the environmental cost behind this event. FIFA and the organizers promised a cutting-edge environmental tournament based on four pillars: social, environmental, economic and governance. However, the numbers tell another story. All indications suggest this will be the most unsustainable and polluting World Cup ever organized.

By expanding the format from 32 to 48 teams and from 64 to 104 matches distributed across 16 cities in 3 countries, FIFA has multiplied the environmental impact.

There are more waste, more energy consumption, and above all, much more air transport that represents more than 85% of the event's carbon emissions. The FIFA president's private jet alone traveled more than 2.6 times around the Earth in this month and a half, which we estimate at over 1,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emited. Add to that the teams, staff and fans traveling around the world to participate.

A 2025 report from Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) estimated before the event that the total carbon footprint of this World Cup could reach nine million tonnes of CO2e, more than any other Cup. Now that the event has ended, we await reports with exact data, but we can already say it failed to meet the promises.

Beyond environmental concerns, the World Cup also faced geopolitical challenges with unequal treatment among different teams: rejected visas and controversial interventions. It was neither fair nor equitable in opportunities.

This is not the first time a World Cup makes news for its socio-environmental impact. Remember the working conditions, air-conditioned stadiums and water problems in Qatar in 2022?

What Can Be Done?

Are we saying we shouldn't hold events like this? Not exactly. But it is important to be aware of the environmental cost of these types of events and they could be organized with much more consideration for environmental impact. For example:

• Reduce the number of matches, distances between stadiums and favor alternatives to air travel
• Select host countries with existing infrastructure and acceptable climate conditions for everyone's safety
• Invest part of FIFA's enormous profits in programs and projects in favor of the environment

Apparently, the organization of the next World Cup is not heading in the direction of these recommendations. That's why we need to raise our voice more on these issues, show our disapproval and demand concrete action. Social pressure is what can make the model and its functioning change.

Surely it will be the most polluting World Cup in history despite FIFA's promises. How far will we go before taking real action to reduce the impact of these major events?

El mundial de fútbol termina, y con él, semanas de muchas emociones, reuniones, pasión y convivencia multicultural. Un pretexto para reunirse en familia, comunidad y estar juntos más allá de diferencias políticas, económicas o sociales. Son espacios que generan también visibilidad global, inversión y oportunidades para las ciudades y países. Eso es valioso.