How 2026 World Cup Host Cities Are Tackling Waste and Sustainability

As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States kicks off, host cities across North America are under pressure to manage not just massive crowds, but also the environmental impact that comes with them. A major focus has been reducing waste and building more sustainable event systems that can leave a lasting legacy beyond the tournament itself.

For Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, keeping it green is all in a day’s work.  With both LEED and TRUE certifications the stadium leverages a combination of procurement controls, staff sorting infrastructure (R3), food recovery, composting, and continuous education to manage environmental impact. Mercedes-Benz operates a dedicated 6,000-square-foot Resource Recovery Room (R3) where materials collected from the stadium are further sorted and recovered. The stadium also had it’s own urban garden used to demonstrate regenerative agriculture, composting, soil health, and carbon sequestration. Check it out on this video by the Atlanta Falcons: https://lnkd.in/ewDy3WR8

‍Given that reducing plastic waste has been a central element of many host cities’ sustainability plans, it remains to be seen whether the increase in disposable bottles resulting from last weeks decision to ban reusable bottles inside stadiums will represent only an environmental challenge or also an opportunity for local recycling systems, through the availability of larger quantities of recyclable material.

Beyond tournament operations, host cities are using the World Cup to advance broader sustainability goals. In Toronto, efforts are centered on strengthening recycling systems, reducing single-use waste, and creating a long-term environmental legacy. Dallas has similarly integrated sustainability into its World Cup planning through waste reduction initiatives, procurement standards, and collaboration between organizers, businesses, and local stakeholders.

Innovation is also playing a role. New technologies and alternative materials are being introduced to help replace conventional plastics commonly used at large-scale events, reflecting a wider effort to reduce waste at its source rather than relying solely on recycling after disposal.The scale of the World Cup still presents significant environmental challenges. With matches spread across multiple countries and cities, transportation, logistics, and event operations will inevitably generate emissions and waste.

Even so, the tournament is being viewed as an opportunity to test sustainability initiatives on a global stage. From plastic reduction strategies and composting programs to city-wide environmental planning, host cities are aiming to demonstrate how major sporting events can be delivered more sustainably while leaving a positive legacy for future generations.