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Delhi, 15th June 2026: With the FIFA World Cup 2026 now underway and millions of football fans travelling to host cities, purchasing tickets, booking accommodations and streaming matches, Acronis Threat Research Unit (TRU) is warning of a sharp rise in cyber threats targeting tournament enthusiasts. From phishing websites and ticketing scams to malicious streaming platforms, QR-code fraud and rogue public Wi-Fi networks, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the surge in digital activity surrounding the tournament to steal personal, financial and account credentials.
According to Santiago Pontiroli, Threat Intelligence Research Lead at Acronis Threat Research Unit (TRU), “Large global sporting events like the FIFA World Cup create ideal conditions for cybercriminals to target unsuspecting fans. As millions book tickets, travel arrangements and streaming services, threat actors exploit the heightened activity through fake websites, phishing campaigns and fraudulent offers designed to steal personal and financial information. With the rise of AI, these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and convincing, making it more important than ever for fans to remain vigilant online.”
Acronis researchers highlight that fans attending matches in person face a range of cyber risks, including rogue public Wi-Fi networks deployed at airports, hotels, stadiums and fan zones. These networks may be used to intercept credentials, redirect users to malicious websites or facilitate data theft. Additionally, the growing use of QR codes has led to an increase in QR-code phishing, or “quishing,” attacks, where users are directed to fraudulent ticketing pages, fake giveaways or malicious websites designed to collect sensitive information. Event organisers, hospitality providers and other tournament-related service providers may also face elevated risks from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, brand impersonation and credential theft campaigns.
The threat landscape extends beyond stadiums, with online viewers increasingly targeted through fake streaming platforms, malicious advertisements and fraudulent mobile applications. Cybercriminals frequently create counterfeit streaming websites offering free or discounted access to live matches, only to harvest login credentials, payment details or personal information. Unofficial streaming sites may also contain deceptive advertisements capable of redirecting users to phishing pages or triggering malware downloads. In addition, fake streaming applications and account takeover attempts targeting legitimate streaming services remain common tactics used by threat actors during major sporting events.
Acronis advises football fans to prioritise digital safety by relying only on official ticketing, travel and streaming platforms. Users should carefully verify website URLs before entering credentials or payment information, avoid conducting sensitive transactions over public Wi-Fi networks and remain cautious of unsolicited messages related to tickets, travel arrangements, streaming subscriptions or tournament promotions.
To strengthen personal cybersecurity, Acronis recommends enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible, using strong and unique passwords for online accounts, and remaining alert to suspicious emails, messages, QR codes and promotional offers that appear too good to be true.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to draw millions of fans across North America and audiences worldwide, Acronis emphasises that while the tournament unites people through sport, it also presents significant opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit excitement and urgency through phishing, impersonation and fraud campaigns. Staying vigilant and following basic cybersecurity practices can help fans enjoy the tournament safely, both online and offline.
