Infantino under fire over 59,000-mile World Cup travel footprint

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing fresh criticism after analysis revealed he travelled nearly 60,000 miles during the 2026 World Cup, a distance equal to circling the globe about two and a half times. The figures were compiled from his movements across the three host nations during the month-long tournament.

Infantino attended 44 matches, including Sunday's final in New Jersey, where Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres. He also made a point of seeing at least one game at all 16 World Cup venues, from Vancouver to Mexico City and across the United States.

The numbers behind the travel

• 59,281 miles (95,403 km) flown during the tournament
• 115 flight hours in total, nearly five full days in the air
• 44 matches attended, including the final
• 5,772 miles travelled in a single day on June 26
• Shortest flight was 28 minutes, from Seattle to Vancouver

Infantino's travel was made in a Gulfstream G650 jet from the Qatari government fleet, operated by Qatar Airways. The expanded 48-team tournament featured 104 games across three countries, 16 cities and four time zones, and had been flagged by climate researchers as likely to produce the most atmosphere-polluting World Cup to date.

Backlash and broader context

The disclosure has led to criticism on social media, with fans pointing to FIFA's stated target of reaching net zero by 2040. Environmental groups had already warned about the carbon cost of the expanded format before a ball was kicked.

Infantino had also been at the centre of controversy earlier in the tournament, notably when FIFA overturned a red card shown to Folarin Balogun ahead of the USMNT's Round of 16 match against Belgium. The figures now add to questions about the organisation's environmental commitments.

FIFA has not yet responded to the latest analysis. The travel data is likely to keep the spotlight on the governing body's sustainability record as it prepares for the next World Cup cycle.