Meta Steps Up Scam Prevention and Anti-Abuse Efforts Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

As excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Meta has announced a range of measures aimed at protecting fans, players and teams from scams, fraud and online abuse across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

With millions of football fans expected to engage online before, during and after the tournament, Meta said it is strengthening its efforts to tackle ticketing scams, fake accommodation listings, fraudulent immigration services and other forms of deception that often emerge around major global sporting events.

Dedicated teams are actively monitoring and enforcing against accounts involved in tournament related scams. Meta is also expanding its intelligence sharing initiatives through the Global Signal Exchange (GSE) and Meta’s Fraud Intelligence Reciprocal Exchange (FIRE), helping industry partners identify and disrupt fraud networks operating across multiple platforms.

One recent example involved a collaboration with Visa through the GSE, where Meta identified and dismantled a Facebook based network connected to spoofed websites that imitated official FIFA World Cup 2026 branding. The fraudulent operation promoted fake gambling content and advertised unrealistic win rates designed to lure unsuspecting users.

To help fans avoid falling victim to scams, Meta is introducing new educational and reporting tools. Beginning this week, Facebook users searching for FIFA World Cup ticket related terms or visiting relevant Groups will see pop up notifications encouraging them to purchase tickets only from verified sources. The alerts will also provide direct access to reporting tools for suspicious activity.

Alongside fraud prevention, Meta is also focusing on protecting players, teams and fans from online abuse. Existing safety features available to public figures include Hidden Words, which automatically filters offensive comments and unwanted direct message requests, and Limit Interactions, which allows users to temporarily restrict comments and messages from non followers during periods of heightened attention. Meta has also strengthened its blocking tools to make it more difficult for repeat offenders to create new accounts and continue harassing users.

In preparation for the tournament, Facebook will introduce a new Hidden Words style setting specifically for World Cup athletes and teams, enabling them to automatically hide potentially offensive comments and reduce exposure to abuse.

Meta said it will continue developing new tools and working closely with relevant authorities and industry partners to help maintain a safer online environment throughout FIFA World Cup 2026.