Activists plan protests at 2026 World Cup venues over Aramco sponsorship

Climate activists plan demonstrations Sunday at or near four 2026 World Cup stadiums and seven other major sports venues in North America. The protests target fossil fuel sponsorships, with Saudi Aramco identified as the primary focus. Protesters will gather outside matches at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Additional demonstrations are scheduled near venues in New Jersey, Seattle, and Dallas.

Campaign statements David Wheeler, a former professional footballer, said FIFA should use its influence to address climate issues. "Sport, especially football, has the power to influence and inspire billions of people," he said. Brent Suter, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, said the World Cup provides an opportunity to highlight climate concerns.

"People all over the world are watching the World Cup, which is a good reminder that we're all in this together," he said. Zan Dubin, the lead organizer, called for FIFA to drop Aramco and other oil and gas sponsorships. "In this kind of crisis, nobody should be advertising for fossil fuels," she said.

Aramco positions FIFA has previously stated that sponsorship revenues are reinvested into football at all levels. The organization has described its partnership with Aramco as one of many commercial relationships. Aramco has said its sponsorship helps create opportunities and promotes development.

The company has also stated that the partnership aligns with providing reliable energy and inspiring progress.

Additional targets and context Demonstrations in Los Angeles and Cleveland will call on local Major League Baseball teams to end sponsorships with Phillips 66 and Marathon Petroleum. In Portland, protesters will urge the Portland Timbers to drop a Bank of America sponsorship.