FIFA says ‘abusive’ World Cup social media posts 13 times higher than 2022

FIFA has reported that the number of abusive social media posts during the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is 13 times higher than during the 2022 tournament, highlighting a significant increase in online hostility associated with the event.

This surge in abusive content poses challenges for FIFA as it seeks to maintain a positive atmosphere around the World Cup, especially given the tournament's high visibility and the potential impact on fan engagement and player safety.

The rise in online abuse coincides with broader concerns regarding player safety, stadium readiness, and environmental impacts, as the tournament is set to be the most lucrative yet while also facing scrutiny over its carbon footprint and operational changes that may affect fan experiences.