World Cup 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place from
11th June to 19th July 2026.
48 teams will compete in the
USA, Canada and Mexico.
This global sporting event is likely to be paralleled by a global increase in incidents of domestic violence.
​Perpetrated against BOTH women and children.
By violent men who use football results as an excuse to harm those around them.
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The Facts
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A Lancaster University study from 2013 found a 38% increase in Domestic Abuse reports when England loses.
And a 26% increase when they win or draw.
There have been no updates to this study. But during Euro 2024, police forces recorded 351 football-related domestic abuse incidents across England and Wales, up from 193 in 2021.
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And those are just the incidents that were reported...
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Whilst domestic abuse organisations agree: football does NOT cause domestic abuse, Jo (CEO of RISE UK) goes further, arguing that foregrounding the tournament risks obscuring the real issue.
That issue being: violent perpetrators will use ANY excuse they can, to blame, control and harm the people around them.
Even if that excuse is 'The Beautiful Game'...​​
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FURTHER READING
What You Can Do
SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
Tournament periods are a prompt to stay alert for unexplained absences, changes in mood or behaviour, or disclosures referencing tension at home. Please help support your Safeguarding Leads in enhancing vigilance.
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FOR SURVIVORS & FAMILY OR FRIENDS
Please know that many frontline women's services, wherever possible, will be increasing their capacities to ensure calls for help or advice during the World Cup season can be responded to.
​CALL: National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge) on
0808 2000 247
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​FOR MEN CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR OWN BEHAVIOURS
You are not alone in wishing to break cycles of violence. Please know help is waiting for you too - from men who have done just that!
Call the Men's Advice Line (Respect):
0808 8010 327 ​​