World Cup 2026: How Fifa president Gianni Infantino is jetting around

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been a prominent figure at the 2026 World Cup, attending 24 matches in just over two weeks across North America. This extensive travel has resulted in him clocking up thousands of air miles, raising questions about the environmental implications of such a hectic schedule. The tournament, which is being hosted across three countries— the United States, Canada, and Mexico— has seen an expansion in the number of matches played, making it the largest World Cup to date. Infantino's commitment to attending matches in various cities has led him to take 27 flights during this period, a feat that has not gone unnoticed by environmental advocates. The carbon footprint of Infantino's travels has been a topic of discussion, especially given Fifa's stated commitment to sustainability and human rights. The president has emphasized the organization's dedication to addressing climate change, human rights, and other pressing global issues. However, the reality of his travel habits starkly contrasts with these pledges. The private jet linked to Infantino has been tracked, revealing that it has emitted an estimated 516 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent during the tournament, which is equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 78 individuals. This raises significant concerns about the environmental impact of high-profile figures in sports, particularly in light of Fifa's ambitious goals to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030. Infantino's travel itinerary has been nothing short of rigorous. He has attended multiple games in a single day, often flying between cities that are hundreds of miles apart. For instance, on June 13, he traveled 2,800 miles from Vancouver to Miami after watching a match. His travel patterns have included both long-haul flights and shorter trips, with some days requiring him to take three separate flights. This extensive travel has sparked criticism from environmentalists, who argue that such practices are inconsistent with Fifa's sustainability goals. The use of private jets, which are known to be significantly more polluting than commercial flights, has been particularly scrutinized. As the tournament progresses, the scrutiny on Infantino's travel continues to grow. Critics argue that the environmental impact of his flights undermines Fifa's credibility in promoting sustainability. The organization has made pledges to host teams regionally and promote energy efficiency, yet the reality of the situation raises questions about the effectiveness of these initiatives. The juxtaposition of Infantino's lavish travel against the backdrop of Fifa's environmental commitments highlights a disconnect that many find troubling. As the world watches the World Cup unfold, the conversation around sustainability in sports is more relevant than ever, prompting calls for greater accountability from governing bodies like Fifa.