Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to climate impact.
As sporting events become larger and more ambitious, the question of environmental impact is becoming impossible to ignore.
A recent article published by The Conversation explores the environmental consequences of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be the biggest in history—with 48 teams and 16 host cities across North America. While the scale reflects football’s global popularity, the expansion brings with it a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions, infrastructure development, and long-haul travel.
“The tournament’s geographic sprawl makes it nearly impossible to stage without a substantial carbon footprint,” the authors write.
This World Cup is not an isolated case. It’s emblematic of a broader challenge facing sport at every level: how do we grow and innovate, without growing our environmental impact?
What’s driving the emissions?
According to the article, the biggest drivers of emissions in mega-events like FIFA 2026 include:
Long-distance air travel between dispersed host cities
Energy use from stadium operations, broadcasting and associated infrastructure
Construction of new facilities, some of which may become underused after the event
Mass movement of fans, teams and support staff over an extended period
While FIFA has made public commitments to sustainability, researchers argue that these often fall short of meaningful action—particularly when decisions around format and location prioritise reach over responsibility.
The role of sport in climate action
At Sports Environment Alliance, we believe that sport has the power to lead by example. Whether it’s a local cricket club installing solar panels, or a national body reviewing the sustainability of team uniforms, every action counts.
But the world’s largest events - due to their visibility, influence and resources - carry a particular responsibility to lead with integrity.
Protecting the places where we play
We are proud to support our members as they ask big questions, take bold steps, and collaborate across the industry to embed sustainability into the future of sport.
Sport connects people across borders, but it is also deeply rooted in place - in our local ovals, rivers, parks and stadiums. If we want to continue to enjoy the magic of global sporting moments, we must first commit to protecting the environments that make them possible.
We encourage all sporting bodies, big or small, to reflect not just on what they do, but how they do it. Growth is important—but only if it is responsible, inclusive, and climate-conscious.
Read the original article below.