FIFA warns of an alarming increase in racist offenses and online attacks during the 2026 World Cup, registering a significant rise in cases compared to the last tournament.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, faces an opponent off the field that tarnishes the spectacle of football. FIFA’s Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) revealed concerning data this Wednesday (1st): 89,000 abusive posts were identified during the group stage alone, with a significant portion consisting of racist offenses.
With the increased number of participating national teams, rising from 32 to 48, the organization intensified its monitoring efforts. However, the volume of online hate surpassed expectations, reaching a level that demands energetic measures to protect the physical and psychological integrity of players, coaches, and referees.
The Rise of Online Hate
The released figures are stark. Compared to the 2022 edition in Qatar, the volume of hostile posts grew thirteen-fold, jumping from 6,700 to 89,000 records. Among this total, 11% are racist attacks, establishing themselves as the largest category of offenses identified by the organization.
“Racist offenses are growing and have become a persistent threat to the well-being of players,” the SMPS declared in an official statement.
Direct Impact on the Field
The hostile environment spares no one, not even during decisive match moments. After the clash between the Netherlands and Morocco, valid for the round of 16, Dutch players Crysencio Summerville, Justin Kluivert, and Quinten Timber were targets of criminal attacks on social media after missing penalty kicks. The episode reinforces the urgent need to combat digital impunity.
To curb this surge, FIFA has already hidden over 181,000 offensive comments and initiated thorough investigations against approximately one thousand users. As the ball rolls in the stadiums, the fight for a safe environment for football — driven by ‘Raça, Amor e Paixão’ — remains a fundamental challenge for the continuation of this World Cup, which will still have more than 30 matches until the grand final.
