2026 FIFA World Cup Faces Environmental Concerns Over Climate Impact

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, environmental organizations are raising alarms about the tournament's potential climate impact, highlighting concerns over extreme heat in host cities and the substantial carbon footprint of the expanded 48-team event.

The upcoming World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026, is poised to be the largest in history. This expansion brings significant environmental challenges, including increased carbon emissions from extensive travel and the risks associated with hosting matches during peak summer temperatures.

Expansion and Environmental Impact

The 2026 tournament marks a significant expansion from previous editions, increasing the number of participating teams from 32 to 48 and the total matches from 64 to 104. The matches will be played across 16 cities:

• United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle.

• Canada: Toronto, Vancouver.

• Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey.

Environmental organizations, including Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), have raised significant concerns regarding the environmental impact of the 2026 World Cup. Their primary issues include:

1. Carbon Emissions: The expansion to 48 teams and the geographic spread across three large countries are expected to result in over 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) emissions, making it the most polluting World Cup to date. This figure is nearly double the emissions of previous tournaments.

2. Extreme Heat Risks: The tournament's timing in June and July coincides with peak summer temperatures in many host cities. Studies indicate that six of the 16 stadiums face extreme heat stress during the tournament, posing health risks to players and fans.

Extreme Heat Risks in Host Cities

A study forecasting thermal stress for sports tourists at the 2026 World Cup provides insights into the expected Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) levels—a measure combining temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover:

• High-Risk Cities: Miami, Houston, and Dallas are projected to experience mean WBGT values exceeding 27°C in June and July, indicating high heat stress levels.

• Moderate-Risk Cities: Atlanta and Kansas City are expected to have mean WBGT values around 23-25°C, suggesting moderate heat stress.

• Lower-Risk Cities: Vancouver and Seattle are projected to have mean WBGT values below 18°C, indicating lower heat stress levels.

Stadium Infrastructure and Mitigation Measures

To address heat concerns, FIFA plans to utilize stadiums with climate control capabilities for daytime matches:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta: Equipped with a retractable roof and full air conditioning.

• AT&T Stadium, Dallas/Arlington: Features a retractable roof and advanced cooling systems.

• NRG Stadium, Houston: First NFL retractable roof stadium with full climate control.

• BC Place, Vancouver: Boasts the world's largest cable-supported retractable roof.

These venues are expected to host matches during peak heat periods to ensure player and spectator safety.

FIFA's Response and Sustainability Commitments

FIFA has acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change and extreme heat. In response to similar concerns during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA rescheduled the tournament to November and December to avoid the summer heat. For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that covered stadiums would be prioritized for daytime games to mitigate heat risks.

Broader Implications for Mega-Events

The environmental impact of the 2026 World Cup has broader societal implications:

• Public Health: Extreme heat conditions can lead to heat-related illnesses among players, officials, and fans.

• Environmental Awareness: The significant carbon footprint of the tournament highlights the need for sustainable practices in large-scale events.

• Economic Considerations: Implementing climate control measures and potential rescheduling may incur additional costs for organizers and host cities.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, balancing the global appeal of the tournament with environmental responsibility remains a critical challenge for FIFA and host nations.