Why the 2026 World Cup Could See Higher Incidents of Violence Against Women

Research published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that major international sporting events—particularly those with high nationalistic fervor—correlate with spikes in domestic violence, primarily against women. The study analyzed data from the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where police recorded a 28% increase in domestic violence reports during the tournament compared to the same period in prior years.

For the 2026 World Cup, the scale of the event presents unique challenges. With 80 matches played over 31 days across three countries, the tournament will draw an estimated 1.5 million fans—nearly double the 735,000 attendees in 2018. The expansion to North America also introduces new logistical and cultural dynamics, including varying local laws on gender-based violence and differing levels of public safety infrastructure.

According to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), gender-based violence during sporting events often stems from three factors: increased alcohol consumption, heightened nationalistic emotions, and the concentration of male fans in high-density urban environments. “The combination of these elements creates a perfect storm,” said a UN Women spokesperson in a 2023 report.

Historical Patterns: What Past World Cups Tell Us

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil wasn’t an outlier. A 2017 study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) examined 12 major international tournaments between 2006 and 2016 and found that in 10 of them, domestic violence reports rose by an average of 22% during the event period. The increases were most pronounced in host cities with large fan sections and limited police presence.

Key findings from past tournaments:

While the 2018 World Cup in Russia saw a smaller increase (15%), officials attributed this to stricter policing and a ban on alcohol sales near stadiums. However, a 2019 Amnesty International report noted that many incidents went unreported due to fear of retaliation or distrust in local authorities.

How FIFA and Host Cities Are Preparing—And Where Gaps Remain

FIFA has acknowledged the risks and is working with host cities to implement safety measures. In a statement to Archysport, a FIFA spokesperson confirmed that the organization is collaborating with local police forces to establish “safe spaces” in stadiums and fan zones, staffed by trained personnel to assist victims of violence. “We are taking this issue extremely seriously,” the spokesperson said. “Our focus is on prevention, early intervention, and ensuring victims have access to support services.”

However, critics argue that FIFA’s efforts may be insufficient given the scale of the 2026 tournament. The