The excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already building, and as New York and New Jersey prepare to host a significant portion of this global spectacle including the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026, there’s a powerful opportunity to set a new standard for environmentally sustainable mega-events. Large-scale sporting events inherently have a substantial environmental footprint, from carbon emissions due to travel and energy consumption to vast amounts of waste generated. However, by embracing innovative and comprehensive green strategies, the NY/NJ World Cup can truly “score green goals” and leave a lasting positive legacy for our planet.
FIFA has already outlined a sustainability and human rights strategy for the 2026 World Cup, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, mitigating climate impact, reducing air pollution, and promoting water efficiency. Building on this, here’s how New York and New Jersey can lead the way:
1. Transportation Transformation: Moving the Masses Sustainably
- Prioritize Public Transit: This is perhaps the single most impactful area. With New York and New Jersey’s extensive public transportation networks, a concerted effort to heavily promote and incentivize their use for fans, staff, and athletes is crucial. This includes clear signage, dedicated routes, extended service hours, and potentially even event-specific transit passes.
- Active Travel Promotion: Encourage walking and cycling to venues where feasible. This means creating safe and accessible pedestrian pathways and ample, secure bike parking facilities.
- Low-Emission Fleets: For official tournament vehicles, prioritize electric or hybrid vehicles. This extends to shuttle services for teams and VIPs.
- Efficient Air Travel: Work with airlines to encourage direct flights and optimize routes to reduce emissions from air travel, which is a major contributor to the event’s carbon footprint.
2. Venue Virtuosity: Sustainable Infrastructure and Operations
- Energy Efficiency and Renewables: Leverage existing stadiums like MetLife Stadium and Red Bull Arena. Implement aggressive energy efficiency measures, such as LED lighting and smart HVAC systems. Explore opportunities for on-site renewable energy generation (solar panels) and ensure all electricity used for the tournament is sourced from renewable energy providers.
- Waste Not, Want Not: Implement a robust, multi-stream waste management system across all venues and fan zones. This means clearly labeled bins for recycling, composting, and landfill. The goal should be to minimize waste to landfill, focusing on a circular economy approach where materials are reused or recycled. Eliminate Single-Use Plastics: Ban single-use plastic bottles and foodware, encouraging reusable alternatives or offering compostable options. Food Waste Reduction: Partner with local food banks to donate unconsumed food and implement composting programs for food scraps.
- Water Conservation: Implement water-saving fixtures and practices at venues and associated facilities. Explore rainwater harvesting for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
- Sustainable Procurement: Prioritize sourcing materials, merchandise, and food from local, ethical, and environmentally responsible suppliers. This reduces transportation emissions and supports the local economy. Consider sustainable building certifications for any necessary temporary structures.
3. Fan and Community Engagement: A Collective Effort
- Educate and Empower: Use the World Cup platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices among fans. This can be done through interactive displays, public service announcements, and engagement campaigns.
- “Green Team” Volunteers: Recruit and train a dedicated “green team” of volunteers to assist with waste sorting, guide fans on sustainable transportation, and promote eco-friendly behaviors. If you’d like to get involved as a volunteer for the event in any capacity (green or otherwise!), you can sign up now at https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/volunteers
- Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local environmental organizations, community groups, and businesses to implement sustainability initiatives and foster a lasting green legacy beyond the tournament.
- Carbon Offsetting: While reduction is paramount, for unavoidable emissions, invest in high-quality, verifiable carbon offsetting projects that benefit local communities and ecosystems. However, transparency and accuracy in reporting are crucial to avoid “greenwashing.”
A Lasting Legacy
The 2026 FIFA World Cup offers more than just thrilling matches; it’s a chance for New York and New Jersey to demonstrate global leadership in sustainable event management. By meticulously planning and rigorously implementing these green initiatives, the tournament can inspire future large-scale events and leave a tangible, positive environmental legacy for generations to come. Let’s make the 2026 World Cup a true testament to the power of sport to drive positive change for our planet.
Christa Avampato 