27 Flights, 24 Matches: The Carbon Cost of FIFA President’s World Cup Tour

27 flights 24 matches – As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolded across North America, President Gianni Infantino’s schedule became a testament to the scale of global travel required to oversee the event. Over the course of two weeks, the president attended 24 matches, traversing 16 host cities spread across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This logistical feat, however, came with a significant environmental toll, as tracked by BBC Verify and BBC Sport. A private jet linked to FIFA and Infantino has reportedly taken 27 flights during the tournament, covering thousands of miles and contributing to a measurable carbon footprint.

The Scale of Movement

The FIFA World Cup’s expanded format, which increased the number of matches, necessitated a more extensive travel network. Infantino’s itinerary has been particularly demanding, with the president often seen in cities hundreds of miles apart, sometimes multiple times in a single day. On June 15, for example, he flew over 2,700 miles (4,000km) across the U.S. from Miami to Seattle, where he watched Belgium face Egypt. The journey continued to Los Angeles, adding another 960 miles (1,545km) to his travel log, ending with a match between Iran and New Zealand.

On June 13, the jet traveled 2,800 miles (4,507km) from Vancouver to Miami, following a game between Australia and Turkey. This was one of the longest legs of his tour. Other flights, such as the 92-mile (148km) trip from Philadelphia to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey on June 22, highlight the frequent short hops required to attend matches and meet with officials. While Infantino did not attend a game in New Jersey, he was interviewed the next day at a Fox News studio in New York before continuing to Boston and Toronto.

A Commitment to Sustainability

FIFA has long emphasized its commitment to environmental responsibility. In its 2026 World Cup sustainability and human rights strategy, Infantino stated,

“Whether we speak about climate, human rights, diseases or disabilities, we are committed to play our part.”

This pledge was made despite the high carbon emissions associated with his travel. The jet’s route, spanning 31,144 miles (50,122km) and 66 hours in the air by June 27, underscores the logistical challenges of hosting a global event across such a vast territory.

The aircraft in question is believed to be a Gulfstream G650ER, a model known for its speed and efficiency. However, its environmental impact remains substantial, with an average fuel burn rate of 1,817 liters per hour. Based on the UK government’s greenhouse gas conversion factors, the plane’s activity during the group stage is estimated to have emitted 516 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e). This figure accounts for both direct emissions and indirect climate effects, such as the warming impact of aviation-related gases.

Comparing the Impact

For context, the average individual’s yearly greenhouse gas emissions are approximately 6.56 tonnes of CO2e, according to EU data. This means that Infantino’s travel over a fortnight generated emissions comparable to those of 78 people annually. The calculation assumes a consistent fuel burn rate, though the jet’s emissions likely fluctuated due to takeoff and landing phases, which produce higher levels of greenhouse gases. While the exact number of passengers on board each flight remains unknown, the plane’s capacity of up to 19 people suggests that the emissions per trip could be divided among multiple individuals.

Despite these emissions, FIFA has not officially confirmed the use of the Gulfstream G650ER for Infantino’s travel. A representative told BBC Sport:

“The FIFA president routinely travels, together with relevant officials, on business and tournament-related matters and strives to visit member associations of FIFA whenever he can. Sometimes travel is organised on commercial [including low-cost] airlines and other times on private jets.”

This explanation aligns with the tracking data, which shows the aircraft’s destinations matching photographs of Infantino at stadiums in the same cities on the same dates.

Implications for Climate Goals

The 2026 World Cup is positioned as a milestone in FIFA’s sustainability efforts, with the tournament’s organization aiming to reduce the environmental impact of football’s global events. Yet, the carbon cost of high-level travel raises questions about the balance between operational needs and ecological responsibility. Infantino’s journey, while symbolic of FIFA’s reach, highlights the challenge of minimizing emissions in an event that spans three nations and 16 cities.

The use of private jets for key figures, such as the president, adds to the carbon footprint. While commercial flights are more efficient per passenger, the speed and flexibility of private jets make them a preferred choice for high-profile travel. This is especially true for FIFA, where the ability to attend matches quickly and meet with officials in multiple locations is critical. However, the environmental cost of such decisions remains a topic of discussion, particularly as the global community increasingly prioritizes climate action.

Tracking the Evidence

BBC Verify and BBC Sport have meticulously mapped the jet’s movements using plane-tracking data. Each flight’s destination corresponds with published photographs of Infantino at stadiums, ensuring the accuracy of the analysis. For example, the jet’s June 26 journey from Miami to Dallas and then to Seattle aligns with images of the president at the Egypt v Iran match. The aircraft then returned to Miami, covering the same distance in reverse, completing a day of travel that involved over 2,700 miles (4,345km) of flight time.

Such detailed tracking not only confirms the extent of Infantino’s movement but also serves as a case study for the carbon emissions of international sports events. The data reveals how even a single individual’s travel can have a noticeable impact, especially when multiplied across multiple trips. This raises the broader question of how FIFA and other sports organizations can reconcile their commitment to sustainability with the demands of global competition.

Looking Ahead

As the World Cup progresses, the focus on sustainability will likely intensify. While FIFA’s strategy includes commitments to climate action, the president’s travel highlights the need for more transparent measures to reduce emissions. The 2026 event, the first to be held in three countries, offers an opportunity to demonstrate how large-scale events can minimize their environmental impact while maintaining global connectivity.

Infantino’s journey, though necessary, serves as a reminder of the trade-offs involved in hosting the world’s most prestigious football tournament. The combination of 27 flights, 24 matches, and the associated carbon emissions underscores the importance of evaluating the ecological consequences of such logistical demands. For FIFA, the challenge will be to ensure that its sustainability goals extend beyond policy statements and into the practical realities of event management.