A study by the University of Cambridge shows that most of the CO₂ emissions generated by the 2026 World Cup come from the travel of supporters.

According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup does not come from stadiums, but from the transportation of supporters.

The tournament will generate approximately 4.23 million tons of CO₂, equivalent to the annual emissions of Iceland, with 82% of this footprint resulting from international flights to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Nearly 3 million tons of CO₂ will come exclusively from fans' flights.

The expansion of the competition from 32 to 48 teams will add another 600,000 tons of CO₂. The study highlights that most international spectators come from Europe, which will amplify the climate impact. The authors compare the situation to the Coldplay tour in 2024, which implemented measures to reduce emissions through incentives for sustainable transport.

Researchers suggest applying similar strategies in sporting competitions, including discounts for those who choose low-emission transport. They also propose assessing the climate impact before designating hosts, to minimize the need for long-distance flights.