Fifa reports sharp rise in racist abuse at World Cup

Fifa has reported a 'significant increase' in the most serious examples of racist abuse online during the 2026 World Cup, according to its social media protection service (SMPS). The service identified 89,000 abusive posts across the group stage, a 13-fold increase compared to the 6,700 abusive comments detected during the 2022 tournament in Qatar, although that edition featured 48 matches rather than the current 72.

Racism accounts for 11% of abuse

Racism represented 11% of all online abuse, a 3% rise from four years ago. The SMPS noted a significant increase in the objectively worst, most offensive material. More than 100 examples passed legal thresholds for preparing case files to enforce action. While detection methods have improved, the SMPS stated that 'data trends show a concerning direction of travel in terms of racially aggravated abuse.'

Netherlands players targeted after shootout defeat

The Netherlands players who missed penalties in the last-32 shootout defeat to Morocco on Monday all suffered racist abuse. Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville were subjected to discriminatory, racist and hateful comments on social media, said the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).

Scanning and moderation efforts

More than six million posts and comments were scanned, an increase of 33%, with 225,000 identified for human review. Around 1,000 accounts were identified for further investigation, and 181,000 hateful comments were hidden.