FIFA World Cups: An Own Goal Against Sustainability

Résumé En

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar sparked significant societal and ecological controversy, particularly concerning the exploitation and deaths associated with stadium construction and the tournament's overall environmental impact. Despite global criticisms and calls for boycotts, the event's ecological footprint was largely ignored as FIFA moved forward with plans for future tournaments. The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises an even greater logistical and environmental challenge with 48 teams across 16 venues, spanning multiple time zones and involving substantial air travel. This paper examines FIFA's persistent disregard for ecological concerns despite mounting evidence and criticism, drawing parallels with past events and exploring the lack of a regulatory counterbalance to FIFA's practices. The analysis highlights a troubling trend where profit and logistics consistently overshadow environmental sustainability in elite football, suggesting that systemic change remains elusive.