Meta steps up security for FIFA World Cup 2026 fans and players

Meta has announced a series of enhanced safety measures ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, targeting two major threats: ticketing scams and player harassment. With the tournament set to kick off on June 11, the tech giant is moving proactively to protect both fans and athletes on its platforms.

Cracking down on World Cup scams

Global sporting events historically trigger a surge in online fraud, and Meta is working to get ahead of it this time. The company has deployed dedicated teams to monitor accounts promoting fake ticket sales, fraudulent immigration processing offers, and misleading travel accommodation listings. Meta is also collaborating with Visa through the Global Signal Exchange (GSE) to identify and dismantle scam networks — an effort that recently uncovered a Facebook network of spoofed websites mimicking official FIFA World Cup branding while promoting fake gambling content. Additionally, Meta has rolled out in-stream notifications to warn users of potentially fraudulent ticket sellers, and has partnered with Mexico’s Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO) on a creator-led awareness campaign.

Tackling player abuse head-on

The 2021 UEFA European Championship was marred by a wave of racist abuse directed at players via Instagram DMs, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for Meta to do more. This time, the company is taking a firmer stance. Meta will use AI technology alongside user reports to proactively detect hateful content, violent threats, and harassment targeting both players and fans. Between October and December 2025 alone, Meta says it removed 2.6 million pieces of hateful content across Facebook and Instagram — with more than 74% identified before any user reported it.