The carbon footprint of the next FIFA World Cup has emerged as a major challenge to FIFA's sustainability commitments: it is expected to be almost twice that of past World Cups, and with mega sporting events of this scale, there is a question as to how much spectacle can be reconciled with environmental responsibility.

A recent study circulated by sustainability experts reveals the carbon footprint of the next World Cup (transitions, infrastructure and logistics, accommodations, air travel) will be much greater than previous World Cups. The massive scale of the event has brought FIFA's grand sustainability plan under harsh pressure.

Previous FIFA World Cups have generated significant carbon emissions primarily because of the transport of participants - teams, officials and supporters - to the host countries and the Stadiums and other facilities built and used. The upcoming tournament, which will take place in several countries and venues, is expected to further increase those emissions, and bring the questions of how and where the inclusion of climate considerations into the planning and administration of elite sporting events back into discussion.

FIFA has replied by citing its sustainability measures such as the reduction in energy use, the adoption of more green energy – and offsetting unavoidable emissions through recognised carbon reduction and carbon removal projects. The governing body has also focused on working with host cities in preparation for and during the tournament to promote greener transport and waste reduction.

But critics say that such actions can be insufficient if, for example, the fundamental sources of emissions e.g. high energy consumption at venues and long-distance travel are not tackled more directly. If the incentives to reduce emissions from transport and the importance of the use of low carbon infrastructures are not fully integrated into the sport's operations, sustainability targets may remain difficult to achieve.

This tension is not new in global sport, and highlights the challenge of balancing the economic and entertainment value of major sporting events with climate goals and the need to reduce the number of emissions for the sake of climate change. The World Cup's environmental impact will be one of the most closely-monitored issues for the soon-to-be landmark edition, and FIFA's sustainability plans are likely to be evaluated beyond just their intentions, but also how much progress they can make on generating measurable carbon or environmental reduction in one of the world's most watched sporting events.