Source: Fortune
Summary
FIFA President Gianni Infantino traveled extensively during the 2026 World Cup, attending 43 matches across 16 stadiums in three countries. He used a private business jet provided by the Qatari government, logging nearly 60,000 miles and over 100 hours of flight time. Infantino’s itinerary included stops in New York, Miami, and Doha, as well as multiple matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA has pledged to reduce carbon emissions from the World Cup by half by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.
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The numbers tell one story. Infantino’s flight schedule was packed, with multiple flights per day and over 100 hours spent in the air. He attended matches in 16 stadiums, visiting some venues multiple times. The Gulfstream jet used by Infantino was provided by the Qatari government, a World Cup sponsor. Infantino’s travel was likely to produce significant greenhouse gas emissions, despite FIFA’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The tournament’s extensive air travel requirements have raised concerns among climate researchers and environmental groups.
Infantino’s jet-setting pace is a familiar sight in the world of high-stakes sports governance.
Author: Evan Null
