World Cup 2026: United Nations suggests steps to curb illegal betting | OneFootball

Less than a year before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the United Nations (UN), through the Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), issued a warning that a significant increase in illegal betting linked to the tournament is expected.

According to the organization, these clandestine operations could even surpass regulated betting in volume and scope, creating a scenario of great concern for the integrity of the tournament.

The link between illegal betting and organized crime was one of the most highlighted points during the international workshop held in Mexico. There, the UN emphasized that the lack of control over these networks not only endangers fans and state finances but also opens the door to the manipulation of sporting events.

The UNODC also noted that a notable increase in legal betting is expected. As a reference, during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, there was a movement close to 35 billion dollars in this area.

For 2026, with a tournament featuring 48 teams and matches spread across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the figures could far exceed that number.

“The 2026 World Cup represents a crucial opportunity to strengthen prevention and investigation measures, not only for the tournament but also as a catalyst to improve sports integrity throughout the region,” specialists expressed at the workshop.

In addition to the UN, key organizations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA participated in the initiative. This aims to align criteria, share previous experiences, and outline protocols that allow for real-time detection of irregularities, with the cooperation of sports federations, security forces, and judicial authorities of the host countries.

In this way, the goal is for the 2026 World Cup not to be tainted by the growing illegal betting that has shown to affect the sport and thus provide an unforgettable spectacle.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.