On June 28, English media published an article discussing FIFA President Gianni Infantino's travels during the ongoing FIFA World Cup and the carbon emissions from private jets used for these trips.

During the ongoing FIFA World Cup in North America, FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally attended 24 matches over two weeks, traveling to multiple cities across North America and accumulating thousands of flight miles.

The FIFA World Cup is jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with a total of 16 host cities, making it the largest tournament in history with an expanded group stage.

In FIFA's 2026 World Cup Sustainability & Human Rights Strategy, Infantino stated: "Whether it's climate issues, human rights, disease or disability, we are committed to doing our part."

Reputable English media tracked a private jet linked to FIFA and Infantino. Data showed the aircraft made 27 flights between match cities throughout the tournament, precisely matching locations where Infantino was photographed attending matches.

Estimates indicate the carbon emissions from this aircraft over two weeks are equivalent to the annual carbon output of 78 average people.

How Demanding Was Infantino's Travel Schedule?

During the group stage, Infantino frequently attended two matches in a single day, with cities separated by hundreds of miles, and on some days completed three flights.

According to reports, he previously used Qatar Airways' business jets, but during this FIFA World Cup, he is suspected of using a Gulfstream G650ER.

Reputable English media attempted to obtain confirmation from FIFA but received no response. However, flight tracking data analysis reveals a strong correlation between the aircraft's route and Infantino's presence at various stadiums.

Flight Routes: Across North America

Tracking data shows the aircraft flew to multiple host cities for the FIFA World Cup in North America, including Vancouver, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Toronto, Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, as well as Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.

His longest flight during the first two weeks of the tournament was from Vancouver to Miami (approximately 2,800 miles).

Another shorter flight occurred on June 22: Philadelphia to Teterboro Airport, New Jersey (approximately 92 miles).

Although he did not attend matches in New Jersey, he was interviewed at Fox News' studio in New York the following day, then flew to Boston and Toronto to watch matches.

The "Most Grueling Day"

On June 15, he completed his most demanding travel day (excluding overnight intercontinental flights): Miami to Seattle (approximately 2,500 miles) to watch a match, then Seattle to Los Angeles (approximately 960 miles) to watch the Iran vs. New Zealand match.

On June 26, his schedule was also packed: departing Miami, stopping in Dallas, then watching a match in Seattle, and approximately 5 hours after the match, flying back to Miami (approximately 2,100 miles), where he subsequently watched the Portugal vs. Colombia match.

Total Flight Data and Carbon Emissions

Analysis shows that by June 27, the private aircraft had accumulated at least 31,144 miles (50,122 km) of flights, with over 66 hours in the air.

How High Are the Carbon Emissions?

Private jets are typically among the most "carbon-intensive" forms of transportation.

The Gulfstream G650ER has an average fuel consumption of approximately 1,817 liters per hour. According to UK government carbon emissions conversion standards, the group stage flights generated approximately 516 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e).

This means Infantino's flight emissions over two weeks are equivalent to the annual carbon output of 78 average people.

The aircraft can carry a maximum of 19 passengers, but the exact number of passengers remains unknown, making precise per-passenger emission calculations impossible.

FIFA's Response and Controversy

A FIFA spokesperson stated that the FIFA President regularly attends business activities and events with relevant officials and visits member associations whenever possible. Commercial flights (including budget airlines) are sometimes used, and sometimes chartered flights are used, depending on efficiency and cost.

However, FIFA did not answer questions about whether commercial flights were used, the number of passengers, or whether carbon offsets were implemented.

Environmental Organizations and Experts Criticize

Freddie Daley, a researcher at environmental organization Cool Down, stated that this behavior demonstrates FIFA's failure in environmental and sustainability efforts.

Denise Auclair, an expert at the European Federation for Transport and Environment, pointed out that private jet emissions are exceptionally high, 5 to 14 times higher than commercial aircraft and 50 times higher than trains.

FIFA's Environmental Commitments vs. Reality

FIFA previously committed to:

reducing emissions by 50% by 2030

achieving net-zero emissions by 2040

The tournament also proposed measures such as regional accommodation to reduce long-haul flights, promoting electric vehicles and public transportation, and using existing venues.

However, the scientific community raised concerns before the tournament. A 2025 report from "Science for Responsibility" estimated that this FIFA World Cup's carbon emissions could reach 9 million tonnes CO₂e, nearly double the average of the four most recent World Cups, potentially making it the "most polluting World Cup in history."

In 2023, Swiss regulatory authorities found that FIFA's "carbon neutral" claims for the Qatar World Cup were misleading, as they relied on carbon offset measures.

FIFA responded by stating that climate change is "one of the most pressing global challenges" and requires immediate action.

During the Qatar World Cup, Infantino attended all 64 matches, and at that time, travel between venues required a maximum of one hour by car; in contrast, this FIFA World Cup spans across the North American continent, significantly increasing travel complexity.

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