2026 World Cup Could Be Most Polluting Ever, Report Warns

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, are on track to become the most polluting edition in the tournament’s history, according to a report by the New Weather Institute. Released in association with Scientists for Global Responsibility, the Environmental Defense Fund, and Cool Down: The Sport for Climate Action Network, the report estimates the event will generate 9.02 million tons of CO2 emissions (tCO2e)—nearly double the average emissions of the previous four editions (4.71 million tCO2e). 

A major contributor to the emissions spike is the projected increase in air travel. The 2026 tournament will be the first to include 48 teams, up from 32 in 2022, adding 40 matches and eight new stadiums. With a record number of games and host cities spread across North America–from Mexico City to Vancouver—air travel emissions are expected to rise by 160% to 325%. With limited low-carbon transportation options like rail, total emissions could reach as high as 13.66 million tCO2e. 

The report also assessed climate emergency risks at all 16 host stadiums, based on three factors: critical heat stress (using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or WBGT), flooding vulnerability, and extreme weather exposure. Eight stadiums were flagged as requiring high-priority mitigation measures to protect players and surrounding communities. While seven of these are located in the United States, Monterrey’s Estadio BBVA was singled out for inadequate heat stress mitigation and the high carbon intensity of the Mexican energy grid. With an average WBGT of 81°F during June and July, Monterrey presents a high risk to unfit or non-acclimatized individuals, according to American College of Sports Medicine guidelines.

In response to the tournament’s environmental challenges, Mexico City has begun investing in sustainable mobility. A new trolleybus line from Ciudad Universitaria to Huipulco will increase public transport access to Estadio Azteca, which will host five matches, including the opener. The Xochimilco Light Rail line is being upgraded with 17 new trains, boosting daily capacity to 400,000 passengers. Along Calzada de Tlalpan—a key route served by both light rail and Metro Line 2—authorities are building a 36-kilometer bicycle lane, offering fans a zero-emissions alternative to reach the stadium.

However, developments around the Estadio Azteca are raising environmental and social concerns. More than 800 native trees are slated for removal in the “Water Forest,” a 250,000-hectare preserve that filters groundwater for surrounding communities. Local residents warn that over 1,200 people could lose access to clean water if infrastructure projects proceed without proper consultation.

In Guadalajara, Estadio Akron sits near La Primavera, a 30,000-hectare UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve. Sandra Valdés, professor, ITESO University, warns that World Cup development could harm local wildlife—including pumas, golden eagles, raccoons, deer, and various bird species. With the area set to host more than 50,000 fans and 4,000 parked vehicles, Valdés cites risks to the reserve’s water absorption zones and the impact of light and noise pollution. Authorities in Zapopan, where the stadium is located, claim no public works are currently planned. However, leaked municipal documents suggest upcoming projects to widen roads and improve urban mobility ahead of the tournament.

Similar concerns have been raised in Monterrey. Citizens and activists argue that road expansions and new pedestrian infrastructure around Estadio BBVA—intended to enhance connectivity with Monterrey International Airport—could threaten the nearby Río La Silla Park, a protected biological corridor located less than 10 kilometers from the stadium.