2026 World Cup supporters warned over ticket fraud as alarming new figures now emerge

Football fans travelling to the 2026 World Cup are being urged to stay alert after new figures revealed a sharp rise in ticket-related fraud scams this year.

Supporters are already facing huge costs for tickets, travel and accommodation across North America, with experts now warning criminals are looking to cash in on the tournament’s enormous demand.

Fans heading to 2026 World Cup warned over rising ticket fraud

New research from Lloyds Bank has revealed football ticket scams increased by 36% during the current Premier League season compared to the same period a year earlier, via Sky News.

Their analysis, covering cases between October 2025 and March 2026, found victims lost an average of £215 through fraudulent ticket sales, with scammers often targeting supporters of high-profile clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Lloyds now fear fraudsters will attempt to exploit demand surrounding the 2026 World Cup, particularly as ticket prices continue to soar ahead of the tournament.

The warning comes after FIFA significantly increased prices for premium tickets to the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with some seats now listed at $32,970 (£24,000). On resale platforms, listings have climbed even higher, with some tickets reportedly appearing for more than $2 million (£1.5 million).

England supporters are among those likely to be affected, with Thomas Tuchel’s side due to play Panama at MetLife Stadium during the group stage.

Ticket prices across the tournament have already sparked criticism, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino defending the costs by claiming football is operating within the “market rates” of American entertainment.

Lloyds are now advising supporters to avoid unofficial sellers, be cautious of social media listings and use secure payment methods when purchasing tickets ahead of the competition.

FGG says: Fans at the World Cup already face enough costs without scammers cashing in

The costs attached to the 2026 World Cup are already sky high, even before supporters begin to think about flights, hotels, transport and food, so the last thing they need is fraudsters trying to take advantage of the hype around the tournament.

With prices reaching eye-watering levels on official resale sites, plenty of fans will inevitably look elsewhere for cheaper deals, which is exactly where scammers thrive.

It means they are going to have to be extra cautious over the next few months because losing hundreds of pounds on fake tickets could completely ruin what is already shaping up to be one of the most expensive World Cups ever.