In just eight months, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off across the United States, Mexico, and Canada — the largest and most geographically dispersed tournament ever held. But as the countdown begins, growing concerns are emerging about the event's environmental cost.
Academics, players, and campaigners are warning that the expanded World Cup — featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, 40 more than in 2022 — sends what some call a "dangerous message" about the sport's disregard for climate responsibility.
‘The Most Carbon-Intensive Event Ever'
Dr. Madeleine Orr, a leading expert on sport and climate at the University of Toronto, says FIFA's plans are "completely misaligned" with its public promises to reduce emissions.
"The 2026 World Cup sends a dangerous message about FIFA's intentions to just keep getting bigger," she told the BBC. "If the new standard is the most carbon-intensive event ever, then yes — that's what it's becoming."
Research by Scientists for Global Responsibility estimates that the tournament could emit over nine million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, making it the most environmentally damaging World Cup in history.
The event could also be among the hottest ever. Fourteen of the 16 host cities are considered vulnerable to extreme heat, with midday conditions in some locations potentially "virtually unplayable," Dr. Orr warned.
While FIFA is exploring later kick-off times and the use of roofed stadiums, critics say the real risk extends beyond the pitch. "It's not just the players," Orr added. "It's 80,000 fans, thousands of staff and media working long hours in the heat — and there's still no clear plan on how to keep them safe."
FIFA Keeps ‘An Open Mind' as Heat Risks Grow
FIFA declined to respond to detailed questions about its sustainability and safety strategies. Speaking at a recent football summit in Rome, FIFA president Gianni Infantino admitted that intensifying summer heat could soon force a rethink of football's global calendar.
"Even in Europe, July is becoming too hot to play in some countries," he said. "We may need to think differently. There are ways to optimise the calendar — and we must keep an open mind."
The issue is far from hypothetical. During a 2017 match in Houston, England's Rachel Daly was hospitalised with heat exhaustion. This summer, temperatures above 35°C disrupted several games at the Club World Cup, where lightning storms and record-breaking heat delayed matches by hours.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández described the conditions in New Jersey as "very dangerous," saying the heat made him feel "dizzy" throughout the game.
How Hot Could It Get?
The 1994 World Cup remains the hottest on record, with Ireland's match against Mexico in Orlando reaching 41°C. But meteorologists warn that 2026 could surpass that.
"In 2023, parts of Texas, Florida and Mexico saw heat indices near 50°C," said BBC senior weather forecaster Simon King. "With climate change increasing the likelihood of such extremes, next year's tournament could easily become the hottest World Cup ever."
Data shared with the BBC by Climate Central shows that all five U.S. host cities from 1994 — Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey and San Francisco — have since experienced significantly more days above 32°C, with the exception of San Francisco.
‘Players Are Starting to Notice'
For many in football, the effects of climate change are no longer theoretical.
David Wheeler, the Professional Footballers' Association's Sustainability Champion, says the issue is becoming "impossible to ignore."
"It's becoming a lot more obvious to players," he said. "But I don't think the governing bodies are taking their responsibility seriously. These organisations shouldn't profit from football if they're not using their power to protect it."
Wheeler believes that footballers speaking out could have real influence — provided they are supported by clubs and fans. "There'll always be backlash about hypocrisy," he admitted. "But none of us are perfect. What matters is that we try."
‘We're Treated Like Marketable Goods'
One of the few players to consistently speak out is Héctor Bellerín, Real Betis defender and outspoken environmental advocate.
Speaking after receiving the BBC Green Sport Award, Bellerín acknowledged the challenge of promoting sustainability in a sport increasingly defined by global expansion.
"It's hard," he said. "I don't make the decisions, and I know how this industry works. But I'm not going to stop doing what I love because of those choices."
Bellerín criticised the relentless scheduling and travel demands facing players: "We're treated like numbers or marketable goods. There are more games, more flights, harder conditions — and we're just told to hydrate."
"Unless players unite and take bold action," he warned, "the wheel will just keep turning."