- Gianni Infantino has faced criticism over his private jet travel during the World Cup
- Environmental groups say the flights increase carbon emissions
- FIFA says travel arrangements are based on efficiency and cost
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has come under criticism from environmental campaigners over his extensive use of private jet travel during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, with critics arguing that it contradicts global efforts to combat climate change.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that since the tournament began, Infantino has travelled across several host cities, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Seattle, Kansas City and Houston, attending numerous matches within a week.
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The expanded World Cup, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, has significantly increased travel demands for officials and teams.
Environmental consultancy Greenly estimated that if Infantino continues flying between multiple cities daily until the end of the Round of 16 before attending the remaining knockout fixtures, his private jet could generate between 300 and 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide during the tournament.
According to the organisation, that amount of emissions is comparable to the annual carbon footprint of between 35 and 55 average French citizens.
The criticism comes amid renewed attention on Infantino’s travel habits. Investigative outlet Josimar previously reported that he accumulated about 600,000 kilometres of private jet travel over a three-year period.
Responding to the concerns, FIFA said its executives travel by either commercial or private aircraft depending on what is considered the most efficient and cost-effective option, with all travel expenses covered by the organisation.
Environmental experts argue that the tournament’s structure has created unavoidable dependence on air travel because matches are spread across three countries and numerous cities.
David Gogishvili, a geographer at the University of Lausanne, described the situation as a “sustainability paradox,” saying FIFA’s decision to stage matches in geographically distant venues inevitably increases carbon emissions while encouraging excessive air travel.
Greenpeace USA also criticised the extensive use of private jets, arguing that such travel sends the wrong message at a time when organisations are expected to play a greater role in addressing climate change.
The debate extends beyond FIFA officials. Experts note that wealthy spectators and celebrities attending the World Cup also contribute significantly to the tournament’s environmental impact through private air travel.
The issue is expected to remain in focus ahead of future FIFA tournaments, including the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2030 Men’s World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain, with additional matches scheduled in South America.
Environmental advocates maintain that sporting organisations must place greater emphasis on reducing emissions if they are to demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainability.
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