Expanded World Cup Carbon Emissions Expected to Double
The 2026 World Cup is projected to generate 7.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide as 48 teams compete across North America. Researchers estimate that 87% of these emissions will come from travel, while experts highlight the significant and often uncalculated impact of digital streaming and broadcasting.
FIFA will expand the World Cup to 48 teams across North America, potentially doubling the tournament's climate cost compared to the 2022 event. A Greenly assessment estimates the event will generate 7.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. The expansion includes four debutant nations: Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.
### Travel Emissions Drive Record Pollution The 2026 tournament is set to become the most polluting World Cup ever staged. Researchers estimate that 87% of total emissions will stem from travel as millions of fans navigate a 2,800-mile footprint between host cities. The projected 7.8 million tons of carbon dioxide is more than double the 3.8 million tons of greenhouse gas produced during the event in Qatar.
