As scorching temperatures affect World Cup matches across North America, climate activists—including former and current professional athletes—are urging Fifa and other sports organizations to sever ties with the oil and gas industry.
Sport's Influence on Climate Action
David Wheeler, an English former professional footballer supporting the campaign, stated: "Sport, especially football, has the power to influence and inspire billions of people. Fifa should be harnessing that power to do good."
On Sunday, protesters plan to demonstrate at or near five 2026 World Cup stadiums and six other major sporting arenas, carrying signs and chanting for an end to fossil fuel sponsorships.
Brent Suter, pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels and a campaign supporter, remarked: "People all over the world are watching the World Cup, which is a good reminder that we’re all in this together. It’s a good moment for a big message about the climate."
Targeting Saudi Aramco
The primary target is Saudi Aramco, the exclusive energy sponsor for this year's tournament and the world's largest corporate carbon emitter. Players have long called on Fifa to drop the company, and in May, an open letter signed by health, climate science, and sports experts argued that promoting fossil fuels conflicts with player welfare.
Zan Dubin, lead organizer of the day of action, said: "If you’ll excuse the pun, it’s a big swing, but that is what we want: we want them to drop Aramco and their other oil and gas sponsorship deals. In this kind of crisis, nobody should be advertising for fossil fuels."
Two protests will take place outside World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Additional demonstrations are planned near venues in New Jersey, Seattle, and Dallas.
Fifa and Aramco Responses
Fifa did not respond to a request for comment but has previously defended the partnership, stating in 2024: "Fifa values its partnership with Aramco and its many other commercial and rights partners. Sponsorship revenues generated by Fifa are reinvested back into the game at all levels."
Aramco declined to comment on the protests, but its CEO has said the sponsorship helps "harness the power of sport to make an impact around the globe" and "create pathways for opportunity." The company's website states: "This partnership aligns with our goal of providing reliable energy to communities around the world and inspire progress."
Broader Protests
Sunday's action targets not only Fifa but also other sports organizations with fossil fuel-linked sponsors. In Los Angeles and Cleveland, demonstrators will demand local MLB teams cut ties with Phillips 66 and Marathon Petroleum. In Portland, protesters will call on the Portland Timbers to end their sponsorship with Bank of America, a major fossil fuel financier.
Participants include members of the Sierra Club, senior-led climate advocacy group Third Act, and environmental justice organization Hip Hop Caucus.
Heat Risks
The protests come as experts warn this year's tournament may be the hottest since the competition began. Climate Central found that nearly all host stadiums are experiencing more extreme heat in June and July than during previous North American World Cups.
David Wheeler argued that fossil fuel companies like Aramco are putting footballers and the sport at risk: "It’s a business that significantly worsens the climate crisis, forcing players to play in extreme heat risking their health, and reducing access to playing the game at a grassroots level."
Fifa says it has implemented heat measures, including scheduling matches later in the day, mandating hydration breaks, and developing extreme weather protocols. However, Wheeler believes temperatures will still endanger athletes: "Among Fifa’s core aims are to safeguard player welfare and the future of the game. By accepting Aramco funding, it is categorically failing in both."
