Soccer, or football as it is commonly known around the world, stands as the most beloved sport globally, drawing billions of fans and enjoying an extensive reach across nations. While the term ‘football’ is predominantly used, ‘soccer’ finds recognition, particularly in regions like North America. However, regardless of nomenclature, the environmental impact of the sport remains a pressing concern, with its carbon footprint steadily expanding.
Recent studies, such as the New Weather Institute’s report titled “Dirty Tackle: The growing carbon footprint of football,” estimate that soccer’s total carbon footprint annually amounts to approximately 64-66 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e). This figure is akin to the yearly emissions of Austria and surpasses those of Uruguay by 60%. Understanding the primary sources of soccer’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is crucial in mitigating its environmental impact.
One of the most significant contributors to football’s emissions stems from its sponsorship agreements with high-carbon industries. The New Weather Institute report reveals that 75% of soccer’s carbon footprint is linked to sponsorships, including partnerships with high-emitting entities like fossil fuel companies and airlines. These associations are tied to industries with substantial emissions, such as frequent air travel and fossil fuel-based transport. For instance, FIFA inked a deal in 2024 with Saudi oil giant Aramco, the world’s largest fossil fuel company, while UEFA maintains sponsorships with major airline polluters like Qatar Airways and Emirates.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup saw four significant sponsorship deals, with associated emissions estimated at over 16 million tCO₂e. Additionally, the top four European clubs with airline sponsorships contributed to an additional 8 million tCO2e. Efforts to promote greener travel among spectators remain lacking, with air and car travel constituting a substantial portion of emissions, particularly for international competitions.
Soccer matches necessitate considerable travel, both for teams and fans, with spectator travel identified as the primary contributor to non-sponsorship emissions. Air and car travel make up the bulk of these emissions, with international competitions significantly increasing carbon output. Efforts to encourage eco-friendly travel options among fans, such as utilizing public transport or electric mobility, are essential in reducing emissions.
Stadiums play a pivotal role in soccer’s carbon emissions, both during their construction and ongoing maintenance. The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar witnessed the construction of new stadiums emitting 270,000 tCO2e per stadium. Major clubs continue to renovate or build new stadiums, further adding to their carbon footprint. The energy usage of stadiums, particularly those reliant on non-renewable sources, also contributes to ongoing emissions.
Despite these concerning figures, soccer’s governing bodies have pledged to reduce the sport’s carbon footprint. FIFA and UEFA have committed to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2040. However, questions arise regarding the alignment of these commitments with certain actions, such as FIFA’s partnership with Aramco and the expansion of tournaments like the Champions League.
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, presents further environmental challenges. The tournament’s expansion to 48 teams will necessitate increased travel and infrastructure, leading to higher GHG emissions. Efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of the event are imperative.
In March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump established a task force to oversee preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to leverage the event to promote American excellence and attract foreign investment. Analysts have noted Trump’s statements regarding political and economic tensions with co-host nations Canada and Mexico, emphasizing potential environmental concerns.
Estimates suggest that the 2026 World Cup could generate over 3.7 million tonnes of CO₂, predominantly from air travel, stadium construction, and fan transportation. These projections exceed the emissions from the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which recorded an estimated 3.6 million metric tons of CO2 emissions.
Soccer holds the potential to lead climate action due to its global influence. To reduce its environmental impact, the sport can consider phasing out sponsorships with high-carbon industries and implementing sustainable practices across all levels of the game. Efforts to cut soccer’s footprint are essential in fostering a more environmentally responsible sporting culture.
