An estimated 92,000 private jets flew into and out of World Cup host cities, producing carbon dioxide emissions comparable to the annual output of over 34,000 cars, according to an analysis by the Institute for Policy Studies' Tax Private Jets campaign. The scale of private jet usage during the tournament has drawn criticism from environmental advocates, who point to the significant environmental impact.
New Jersey's East Rutherford, home to MetLife Stadium, was identified as the most significant contributor to private jet pollution. Across eight games held there, the city saw 21,289 private jet flights, generating approximately 39.42 kilotons of excess carbon dioxide. The World Cup final, held on July 19, was the single worst-polluting match, with 3,338 private aircraft arriving to transport VIPs and celebrities.
Among those in attendance were figures like Kylie Jenner and Drake, whose private jet travel was noted. Jets associated with celebrities such as Tom Cruise and the Beckhams were also present, though it remained unclear if they individually flew by private plane. This surge in air traffic occurred despite a Secret Service flight ban over parts of the New York area due to President Trump's attendance, which temporarily grounded private jets and helicopters and imposed significant landing fees.
Arlington, Texas, a host city for nine games, ranked second in pollution, with approximately 14,110 private jet flights generating 24.51 kilotons of excess carbon dioxide. Miami followed in third place, with 5,378 flights and 14.93 kilotons of CO2 emissions from seven matches.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's private jet travel also came under scrutiny. Data indicates that a Qatar Airways-supplied Gulfstream G650ER, used by Infantino, logged 52 flights and roughly 60,400 miles throughout the tournament, emitting an estimated 600 tons of carbon dioxide. This included an 11,500-mile round trip to Qatar to offer condolences following the death of the Emir's father.
Chuck Collins, director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute for Policy Studies, criticized the extensive private jet use, stating, "I'm not sure the planet can afford another massive polluting FIFA World Cup - both ecologically and economically." He advocated for measures such as taxing private jet owners and urging FIFA to ban private jet use and meet its climate targets.
The cumulative excess carbon dioxide emissions from the tournament reached 145.8 kilotons, equating to approximately 15.2 million gallons of jet fuel. This volume, if taxed at the current rate, would have generated about $3.3 million in fuel tax. However, implementing a tax proposed in Senator Ed Markey's FATCAT Act, which would significantly increase private jet fuel taxes, could have generated an additional $26.7 million for public funds.
FIFA has committed to reducing its emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2040. However, critics argue that the scale of private jet travel during the World Cup undermines these commitments. The Private Jet Accountability Project is petitioning FIFA to implement a complete ban on private jets for future tournaments. The 2030 World Cup is scheduled to be hosted across Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.