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Soccer
World Cup 2026 scam warning issued ahead of US, Canada and Mexico event
TL;DR
A scam warning has been issued ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, as high ticket prices may drive fans to unsafe sellers. Fraud experts are urging caution as the event approaches.
Key points
- Scam warning issued for the 2026 World Cup
- High ticket prices causing concern among fans
- Fraud experts warn of unsafe sellers
Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images
The 2026 World Cup is already creating concern before a ball is kicked across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ticket prices have become a major pressure point for FIFA, with supporters facing high costs in both official and resale markets.
That backdrop has now prompted a fresh scam warning, with fraud experts concerned that priced out fans could be pushed towards unsafe sellers.
Reuters report warns World Cup ticket prices may increase scam risk
Photo by Hector Vivas/Jam Media/LatinContent/Getty Image
Reuters reported that high ticket and travel costs could expose fans to fraud before the tournament, citing warnings around fake offers, phishing attempts and unofficial ‘bargain’ channels.
They interviewed Nuno Sebastiao, the CEO and co-founder of Feedzai, a financial crime prevention company, who said that expensive tickets create conditions where criminals can target desperate supporters.
The concern is simple: fans who cannot afford official prices may become more willing to trust unofficial sellers promising cheaper access to the biggest matches.
That is particularly dangerous because FIFA says supporters should use official ticket channels, while consumer guidance in the United States has also warned fans to avoid copycat sites and pressure tactics.
Donald Trump’s comment adds to FIFA ticket price pressure
The criticism over FIFA just got stronger after Donald Trump reacted to the cost of watching the United States debut match against Paraguay on 12 June.
The president was told that the cheapest available ticket was $1,120, and said: “I did not know that number. I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.”
That comment does not help FIFA’s wider defence of its pricing strategy.
Gianni Infantino has argued that World Cup prices reflect demand, market conditions and the financial importance of the tournament for the organisation.
Yet when even Trump questions the cost, FIFA’s affordability problem becomes harder to dismiss.
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Q&A
What scams should fans be aware of for the 2026 World Cup?
Fans should be cautious of ticket scams, especially from unauthorized sellers, as high prices may lead them to unsafe purchasing options.
Why are ticket prices a concern for the 2026 World Cup?
Ticket prices are a concern due to their high costs in both official and resale markets, which may exclude many fans from attending.
How can fans protect themselves from ticket fraud for the World Cup?
Fans can protect themselves by purchasing tickets only from official sources and being wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
