The four-year global partnership between FIFA and Saudi Aramco, announced in late 2024, places Aramco's logo prominently across the upcoming World Cup events. This deal, reportedly around $100 million annually, directly conflicts with FIFA's stated goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. Saudi Aramco, largely government-owned, is globally recognized as the leading emitter of greenhouse gases, responsible for over 4% of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions in 2024, according to the independent Carbon Majors database.

Critics, including sport ecology expert Madeleine Orr, argue that this partnership severely undermines FIFA's environmental credibility. Adding to the concern, the 2026 tournament's expansive format, with games across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., necessitates extensive air travel for teams and fans, further increasing its carbon footprint. This challenges the very idea of a "sustainable" major sporting event when global warming requires urgent action.

FIFA defends the partnership, explaining that the substantial revenue, projected to be around $14 billion for the 2027-2030 cycle, is vital for reinvesting in global soccer development, especially for women's soccer and in over 100 countries. While FIFA's 2021 Climate Strategy acknowledges fossil fuel emissions are heating the planet, the financial backing from major corporations appears to be a priority.

For Aramco, this sponsorship is an opportunity to boost its global visibility and present itself as a broader "energy company," despite most of its clean energy investments aiming to decarbonize its own operations. The company states its involvement reflects a commitment to reliable energy and inspiring progress. However, over 130 professional women’s soccer players have issued an open letter, strongly urging FIFA to end the sponsorship, dramatically calling it "much worse than an own goal" for soccer and the environment.

FIFA emphasizes its commitment to sustainability for the 2026 World Cup through various initiatives, including requiring green building certifications for stadiums, working to reduce diesel usage, boosting recycling, and promoting public transport, walking, and cycling. They are also collaborating to plant 12,000 trees in host cities. Despite these efforts, many see the contradiction in partnering with major polluters as a significant hurdle to genuine environmental progress and a reminder of the collective responsibility to address climate change.