Stadium Proposal by Infantino Under Scrutiny Prior to the 2026 World Cup
The upcoming 2026 Men's World Cup is set to be a global spectacle, but concerns about climate resilience and sustainability are at the forefront. FIFA has outlined several plans and commitments to address these issues, but challenges remain significant, particularly regarding extreme heat and the environmental impact of the expanded tournament.
## Sustainability and Climate Commitments
FIFA has pledged to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2040. However, the 2026 World Cup is projected to be the most climate-damaging in the tournament’s history, mainly due to increased travel and the number of matches. To mitigate this, all 16 host cities will use existing venues, with renovations rather than new constructions. Notably, the Azteca Stadium in Mexico will be used for a third World Cup, highlighting the reuse of historic sites.
FIFA also points to past efforts in reducing waste, recycling materials, and certifying stadium construction and operations according to green building standards. However, the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned by regulators in the past.
## Climate Preparedness and Heat Mitigation
Certain host cities, like Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston, offer covered stadiums with climate control and air conditioning, providing protection against extreme heat. Experts have recommended avoiding midday kickoffs in southern cities due to extreme heat and high risk for players and fans. However, scheduling matches early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day is deemed unlikely due to broadcasting considerations.
There have been calls for more frequent and standardized cooling breaks, similar to those implemented in MLS matches in cities like Miami, which only schedule games in the evening.
## Challenges and Criticisms
The 2026 World Cup is expected to generate up to 9 million tons of CO₂ equivalent—nearly double the average of the last four World Cups and significantly more than the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Another challenge is the balance between broadcasting needs and player and fan safety. Scheduling matches to accommodate European audiences increases the likelihood of midday games, prioritizing broadcast revenue over optimal safety and comfort for players and fans.
Not all venues have roofs or climate control, which will require additional local measures for heat mitigation. Some matches may still be played in open-air stadiums, raising concerns about player health.
In summary, FIFA’s sustainability plans for 2026 focus on reducing emissions, reusing stadiums, and promoting green building practices. However, the expanded format and reliance on air travel pose major environmental challenges. Regarding climate preparedness, the use of roofed and climate-controlled stadiums in some cities will help mitigate heat risks, but not all venues offer these protections. Scheduling remains a contentious issue, balancing broadcast needs against player and fan safety.
Gianni Infantino addressed these concerns at a recent press conference, emphasizing FIFA's commitment to addressing climate change and sustainability. He acknowledged the significance of the challenges ahead, particularly in terms of heat mitigation and the environmental impact of the expanded tournament.
To ensure the tournament's success in the face of climate change, Infantino proposed potential solutions such as scheduling matches during cooler parts of the day or implementing more frequent cooling breaks. He also expressed FIFA's continued support for scientific research in environmental science, as it pertains to the unique challenges posed by hosting a global sporting event in diverse climates.
Furthermore, Infantino underscored the importance of sports organizations like FIFA playing a role in promoting environmental awareness and advocating for sustainable practices, not just during international competitions but also in everyday operations. This includes collaborating with the scientific community to develop innovative solutions for reducing emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change on sports, particularly football.
