Gianni Infantino's private jet travel generates 516 tons CO₂ during World Cup 2026

FIFA president Gianni Infantino flew a private Gulfstream G650ER jet 27 times during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, covering more than 50,000 kilometers and spending over 66 hours in the air. The flights allowed him to attend 24‑25 matches in 16 host cities across the United States and Canada. Researchers estimate the jet’s emissions total about 516 tons of CO₂‑equivalent, roughly the annual carbon footprint of 78 average people.

The carbon impact contradicts FIFA’s publicly stated climate goals – a pledge to cut emissions by half by 2030 and achieve net‑zero by 2040. Sustainable‑transport experts note executive jets can emit up to 14 times more CO₂ per passenger than commercial flights, and scientists project the overall tournament could generate up to nine million tons of CO₂e.