Because soccer stadiums require a lot of energy and water for their systems to function during matches, achieving environmental certifications is no small task. For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA required that all venues obtain LEED certifications, which measure performance in water, energy, and waste management. Some Mexican stadiums needed major transformations costing tens of millions of dollars, while others had already met some requirements due to their modern designs.

The main emphasis is on operational performance, where the stadium's environmental impacts are most significant. GBCI measures factors such as energy consumption, water use, air quality, waste management, and indoor environmental quality. LEED provides four levels of certification — from simply being 'certified' to achieving platinum status.

For a venue like the Azteca in Mexico City, which opened in 1966, major renovations were necessary to meet these standards. The BBVA stadium in Monterrey and the Akron stadium in Guadalajara already had some modern features but still required updates to obtain their certifications. The decision to become certified was made by club directors in 2022 as part of preparations for the World Cup.

The BBVA stadium, which obtained LEED certification during construction, now focuses on operational performance through new technology and changes in processes. This includes replacing old toilets with more efficient ones and ensuring that all suppliers operate under sustainable criteria. The stadium has eliminated around 90% of its PET plastic use during matches.

These efforts to go green are not just about the environment; they also enhance the player experience. Matches must be played on natural grass, requiring large volumes of potable water for irrigation, despite the stadium’s efficiency measures.