World Cup Ticket Scams: How to Avoid Losing Money and Your Identity

If you’re a Canadian trying to get last-minute tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scammers are targeting you right now. Fake tickets could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars — and worse, your personal and banking information could be stolen, leading to identity theft.

The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The tournament runs now through July 19, 2026. Fraudsters are using fake websites, social media posts, and even AI-generated emails and QR codes to trick desperate fans. The FBI has already identified dozens of spoofed domains that mimic FIFA.com.

How the scam works

Scammers create fake websites that look like official FIFA pages. They use urgency tactics like countdown timers or messages saying “someone else wants these tickets.” They may also send emails or texts with links that lead to fake payment pages.

Once you pay, the tickets don’t exist. But the scammer now has your name, address, phone number, and banking details. This can lead to identity theft and further financial loss.

Who is affected

Canadians planning to attend matches in any host country (Canada, U.S., or Mexico)
Fans buying tickets for family or friends under time pressure
Anyone clicking on ticket links from ads, texts, or social media

What you should do

Always type FIFA.com directly into your browser. Do not click links from ads, texts, or social media.
Only buy tickets through FIFA’s official ticketing system or its official resale marketplace. No other site is safe.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut.
If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately. Then report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Bottom line

The 2026 World Cup is exciting, but scammers are using that excitement to steal your money and identity. Protect yourself by buying only from FIFA’s official site. Act fast if you suspect fraud — your bank and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can help.