During the month-long FIFA World Cup tournament, private jets were responsible for a substantial spike in carbon emissions, according to a new tracking system developed by the Institute for Policy Studies. Over 92,000 private jets flew in and out of World Cup host cities around match days, contributing more than 147 kilotons of excess carbon emissions—equivalent to the annual emissions of 34,000 gas-guzzling cars.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino notably flew an estimated 60,400 miles on a Gulfstream luxury jet provided by World Cup sponsor Qatar Airways, releasing nearly 600 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Rutherford, New Jersey, which hosted the finals and seven other matches, experienced the highest private jet pollution, with 21,289 private jets generating 39.4 kilotons of excess carbon emissions.

The Private Jet Emission Tracker compared private jet activity during the World Cup with similar dates over the previous five years, documenting the additional spike in pollution.

Adding to concerns, the President’s 2025 budget bill included tax breaks for private jets, allowing corporations to expense 100 percent of the purchase price of a private jet in one year—potentially resulting in $20 million or more in tax deductions for a single luxury jet purchase.

These environmental impacts contrast sharply with images of wealthy fans arriving in thousands of private jets, chauffeured in black SUVs to MetLife Stadium and escorted to private boxes. A thunderstorm the night before the finals temporarily cleared the air for players, fans, and the public.

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