The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a global celebration of football—but it’s also attracting a very different type of player: cybercriminals. According to a recent report from Check Point Software Technologies, over 4,000 suspicious domains linked to the event have been registered in just two months. These sites aim to steal money, personal data, and login credentials from unsuspecting fans.
Behind these domains lies a sophisticated digital fraud network that leverages automation, AI, localized language, and advanced SEO techniques—all designed to trick users into handing over financial information or purchasing fake tickets and merchandise.
Explosive Growth in Suspicious Domains
Check Point’s analysis reveals that these domain registrations are far from random. In early August 2025, there was a spike of over 1,500 new World Cup-related domains, followed by another wave in September. Some even reference future editions of the tournament to appear legitimate and avoid early detection.
The speed and scale of this operation are alarming. Domains are often registered through bots on platforms like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Gname, Dynadot, or Porkbun. While .com is the most common extension, cheaper TLDs like .shop, .online, .store, and .football are frequently used.
These fake sites commonly include names of host countries and cities—like Mexico, the U.S., Canada, Miami, or Toronto—to boost SEO rankings and build credibility with fans.
The Most Common Scams: Tickets, Streaming, and Merchandise
Check Point experts identified three major fraud categories linked to the 2026 World Cup:
- Fake ticket sales
Sites that mimic official FIFA platforms trick users into paying for non-existent tickets without receiving a valid confirmation.
- Malware-infected illegal streaming
Promising free or HD match streams, these sites actually install malware to steal passwords and financial data.
- Counterfeit “official” merchandise
Offering discounted jerseys, balls, and souvenirs, these scams often ship fake goods—or nothing at all.
These operations exploit the urgency and excitement surrounding large sports events. In Latin America, Spanish and Portuguese are the main languages used to deceive, while English dominates in global streaming scams.
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A Well-Organized Fraud Network
The report reveals that these cybercriminal groups operate like structured criminal enterprises. They reuse templates, DNS servers, and infrastructure across multiple countries.
Many coordinate through Telegram channels, dark web forums, and social media, pushing fake links that sometimes outperform FIFA’s official sites in traffic.
Key tactics include:
- Mimicking legitimate site design and tone
- Using SSL certificates to appear secure
- Investing in SEO and paid ads to rank high in search results
The result: millions of users encounter fake websites before the real ones—often without realizing.
Bots and Ticket Scalping: The Growing Threat
One of the most concerning risks is the use of automated bots to exploit official ticketing systems. These bots can:
- Overwhelm platforms during ticket launches
- Purchase tickets in bulk within seconds
- Resell at exorbitant prices on the black market
In underground forums, guides and tools are already available to bypass ticketing security, showing that these campaigns are well underway, long before the tournament begins.
Impact Beyond the Stadiums
The scams go beyond fake tickets and illegal streaming. Fraudulent offerings now extend to accommodation, transportation, and travel packages, targeting fans planning trips in advance.
Consequences include:
- Lost money and trust from fans
- Reputational and operational damage to FIFA and event organizers
- Increased fraud cases in host cities
- A compromised digital ecosystem, as registrars, social networks, and ad platforms are misused
At TecnetOne, we emphasize that these scams aren’t just a threat to individual users—they undermine the integrity of the world’s most important sporting event.
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How to Protect Yourself During the World Cup
The good news is that simple actions can help you avoid falling victim:
- Buy tickets only on official websites. Look for domains with fifa.com or authorized partners.
- Avoid links from social media or text messages. Many scams spread via WhatsApp, Telegram, and X (Twitter).
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Big discounts often signal fake offers.
- Double-check web addresses before paying. Fake domains often swap a letter or use odd extensions.
- Don’t install unknown apps or extensions. “Free” match streams may come bundled with malware.
- Use a reliable security solution. At TecnetOne, we recommend tools with real-time phishing protection and domain threat detection.
What Organizations Should Do
Check Point urges companies and institutions involved in the World Cup to ramp up digital monitoring. Key recommendations include:
- Track domain registrations containing “FIFA,” “World Cup,” “2026,” or host cities
- Take swift action against reports and request takedowns of fake sites
- Collaborate with registrars and ad networks to limit exposure of malicious content
- Launch digital education campaigns to help fans recognize scams
The goal is not just to respond—but to stay one step ahead of attackers before the tournament begins.
A World Cup in the Age of Cybercrime
The 2026 World Cup hasn’t even started, but the digital threat landscape is already heating up. Cybercriminals have shown an impressive ability to organize, evolve, and exploit global excitement.
At TecnetOne, we believe the best defense is prevention and awareness. Knowing how these fraud networks work, recognizing red flags, and using the right cybersecurity tools can make the difference between enjoying the World Cup—or becoming a victim.
Because in 2026, the biggest football show won’t just take place on the field… it will also unfold in the digital arena, where vigilance and awareness are the real champions.
