Study warns 2026 World Cup will be the most polluting on record | OneFootball

El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that a New Weather Institute study warns the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is set to be the most polluting yet, due to scale, geographic spread and heavy reliance on flights.

FIFA's Climate Blind Spot puts the footprint at at least nine million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, nearly double the 2010-2022 average of 4.7 million, and says a pessimistic case could reach 15 million.

The revamped format brings 48 teams and 104 matches, a 63% increase on previous editions. That means more journeys, more fans and greater strain on infrastructure.

With games in 16 cities separated by thousands of kilometres, air travel is forecast to generate over 7.7 million tonnes of CO2, the majority of emissions. Flight-related emissions could rise by 160% to 325% versus past tournaments.

The report lands soon after FIFA backtracked on a ban on reusable drinks bottles, a policy that would have forced single-use plastic purchases. Protests and a request for explanations from New York's mayor prompted the U-turn.

The study says the core problem is structural, a bigger, more global competition dependent on long-distance travel, even without mass new stadium builds. It also questions FIFA's climate strategy and lists partners including Scientists for Global Responsibility, Environmental Defense Fund and The Sport for Climate Action Network.

FIFA sets out a sustainability plan for 2026 aimed at cutting impacts and leaving a positive legacy, including sustainable builds, public transport and reductions in waste, energy use and emissions.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo