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Podcast Episode

2026 World Cup set to be 'most polluting' sporting event in history

Down to Earth··4 August 2026·6 min

About this episode

The 2026 World Cup is bringing excitement to football fans around the world, but it will also come at a cost for the environment. The 2026 edition is officially projected to be the most polluting sporting event in history, with a total carbon footprint of 9 million tonnes of CO2, nearly double the average of the last four tournaments. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe tells us more.