Sustainability , human rights and the environment at the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will also focus on sustainability, human rights and environmental friendliness. Canada, the United States and Mexico have set themselves the joint goal of organising the tournament in a responsible manner, with an eye for the environment, fair working conditions, and combating racism and corruption.
This article discusses how the 2026 World Cup will be organised with these core values in mind, and what impact this will have on the countries involved and the international community.
Sustainability, human rights and environmental protection
United 2026 is committed to sustainability and wants to go much further than FIFA prescribes.
Due to the policies of US President Trump, FIFA questions the free travel of all fans to the US. The president has imposed restrictions on residents of a number of countries.
Also with regard to human rights and workers' rights, the World Football Association is not yet satisfied with the commitments made by Canada and the United States.
The host countries have indicated that they will develop new, higher standards in terms of environmental and sport sustainability. 10 specific objectives have been set to ensure that the impact of the 2026 World Cup on the environment will be very limited.
Sustainability goals of the 2026 World Cup: environmental protection and carbon neutrality
A key aspect of the 2026 World Cup is the pursuit of sustainability and environmental friendliness. The host countries have set themselves the goal of making the tournament as sustainable as possible, with the ultimate goal of a carbon-neutral event. This means that all emissions generated during the tournament, such as those from transport and energy use, are offset. This can be done by using renewable energy sources and investing in projects that reduce carbon emissions, such as planting trees or supporting sustainable energy initiatives.
One of the major advantages of the 2026 World Cup is that no new stadiums need to be built. The existing infrastructure in the host cities is sufficient to accommodate the event. This significantly reduces the environmental impact, as no additional resources are needed to build new stadiums. Minimizing large-scale construction not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also protects the natural environment of the stadiums and surrounding areas.
Waste management and water conservation
Another key component of the 2026 World Cup ’s sustainable approach is its comprehensive waste management programme. The aim of this programme is to minimise waste and promote recycling. The organisation is aiming for a zero-waste tournament, meaning that the majority of waste will be recycled or reused, and that as little waste as possible will end up in landfills. This programme is in line with the wider sustainability goals of the host cities, which have each already taken individual measures to improve their environmental performance.
In addition to waste management, the organization is also focusing on water conservation. All stadiums and facilities will use smart water systems that minimize water consumption. In regions where water scarcity is an issue, such as certain parts of Mexico, special measures will be taken to limit the impact of the tournament on local water supplies. These measures contribute to a more sustainable event and help the host cities achieve their own environmental goals.
Human rights and inclusivity
The 2026 World Cup will not only be a sporting highlight, but also a platform for promoting human rights and social responsibility. The organization has committed to international human rights standards, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This means that during the tournament, special attention will be paid to preventing discrimination, promoting gender equality, and ensuring the rights of minorities.
One of the main goals of the organization is to create an inclusive environment, where everyone feels welcome, regardless of origin, gender, sexual orientation or religion. Strict measures will be taken to combat racism and other forms of discrimination. This applies not only to the players and teams, but also to the spectators, volunteers and employees involved in the tournament.
Working conditions and children's rights
The organization of the 2026 World Cup will pay a lot of attention to fair working conditions. We will work together with local and international partners to ensure that everyone involved in the organization works under good conditions and receives a fair wage. This applies not only to the people directly involved in the tournament, but also to suppliers and contractors who work on the infrastructure and facilities.
The organization also aims to protect the rights of children. Measures are taken to ensure that there is no child labor in the supply chain during the tournament. In addition, programs are developed to involve children in the tournament in a safe and positive way, for example by organizing special educational events and promoting youth football.
Anti-corruption and ethical business practices
One of the challenges in organizing a major sporting event such as the 2026 World Cup is preventing corruption and misuse of funds. To minimize these risks, the organization has set up a comprehensive anti-corruption program. This program includes measures to prevent conflicts of interest and to ensure that all parties involved adhere to the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
One of the core principles of the programme is transparency. This means that all decisions regarding the organisation of the tournament are made in an open and responsible manner, and that there are clear lines of communication with all stakeholders. Independent audits and controls are used to ensure that the resources used for the tournament are managed responsibly.
In addition, a whistleblowing scheme will be set up, giving employees and other stakeholders the opportunity to report irregularities anonymously. This provides an extra layer of protection and helps to safeguard the integrity of the tournament.
Responsible purchasing and sustainability goals
Another important aspect of the ethical business operations of the 2026 World Cup is the responsible procurement of goods and services. The organization has committed to the principles of sustainable procurement, which means that environmental impact, social responsibility and ethical standards are taken into account in all purchasing decisions. This applies to all products and services purchased for the tournament, from stadium facilities to merchandising and catering.
Through this responsible sourcing approach, the organisation aims to contribute to the tournament’s wider sustainability goals and ensure that the 2026 World Cup is not only a sporting success, but also sets a positive example for future international events.
Economic and social impact of the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will not only provide sporting opportunities, it will also have significant economic benefits for the host countries and cities. The organisation will work with local governments and businesses to ensure that the economic benefits of the tournament are shared widely. This means that local communities will benefit from the investments made in infrastructure, tourism and other sectors.
A key aspect of the economic impact of the 2026 World Cup is the creation of jobs. Thousands of jobs will be created not only during the tournament itself, but also in the run-up to the event. These jobs range from temporary positions, such as event organisation and logistics, to permanent employment in sectors such as tourism and hospitality.
In addition, the tournament provides a platform for local businesses to promote themselves and collaborate with international partners. Through these collaborations, businesses in the host cities can benefit from the increased international attention and improved image that comes with hosting a major sporting event.
Social responsibility and sustainable development
In addition to the economic benefits, the 2026 World Cup organization is also committed to social responsibility. This means that the tournament is not only focused on profit, but also on improving the living conditions of people in the host countries. One of the ways in which this is achieved is by working together with local communities to create economic opportunities and contribute to sustainable development.
The 2026 World Cup organisation is working closely with local governments and civil society organisations to ensure that the tournament has a lasting positive impact on society. This can be done by investing in sustainable infrastructure, such as energy-efficient stadiums and improving public transport. Programmes are also being developed to promote the health and wellbeing of local communities, for example by organising sporting activities for young people and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a leading sporting event that goes beyond football. With a strong focus on sustainability, human rights and environmental friendliness, the tournament will set new standards for the organisation of international sporting events. The focus on fair labour conditions, combating racism and discrimination, and fighting corruption shows that sport can be a powerful tool for social change. By integrating sustainable and ethical practices into the organisation, the 2026 World Cup will not only be an unforgettable sporting event, but will also have a lasting impact on society and the environment.
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Discover how the 2026 World Cup focuses on sustainability, human rights and eco-friendly solutions, with attention to social responsibility and the environment.
About the author
Author of this content is Patrick. I have been playing soccer for more than 25 years and follow the daily news closely. My hobbies include playing football, running and maintaining various websites, in addition to my job as a financial professional.
I do not work for any related company or institution, so the information is reliable and independent. The information has been collected accurately from reliable sources and is regularly updated.