As the FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June, cybersecurity experts are warning South African fans that scammers are already exploiting the global sporting spectacle.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
As excitement builds ahead of the FIFA World Cup on 11 June, South African football supporters are being warned that cybercriminals are preparing for kick off as well.
Cybersecurity experts at Palo Alto Networks say the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents the largest entertainment cyberattack surface ever created, with fraudsters already exploiting the event through fake ticket sales, phishing scams and malicious apps.
The tournament, the biggest in FIFA history, will run across 39 days and 16 host cities in North America, attracting an estimated five to six million spectators while millions more follow the action online.
According to Justin Lee, Regional Vice President for Sub Saharan Africa at Palo Alto Networks, both travelling supporters and those watching from home are vulnerable.
"South Africans are passionate soccer supporters, and many will have been planning and saving for this trip for years. But the fans watching from home are just as much in the crosshairs. Anywhere people are engaging digitally with this event, cybercriminals will be waiting," Lee said.
Threat intelligence specialists from Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 division have identified seven major cyber threats that fans should be aware of during the tournament.
Among the biggest concerns are fake ticket websites and fraudulent social media resellers. Cybercriminals are creating convincing lookalike platforms and impersonating authorised sellers, leaving supporters with little recourse if tickets prove invalid.
Experts advise fans to purchase tickets only through official FIFA channels or authorised resale partners and to avoid transactions through WhatsApp, Telegram or social media direct messages.
Phishing attacks are also expected to increase significantly during the tournament. Fraudsters are using fake ticket cancellations, prize competitions, free streaming offers and accreditation issues to lure victims into revealing personal information or login credentials.
Another rapidly growing threat involves fraudulent QR codes. According to Unit 42, fake transport passes, parking permits and shuttle tickets are increasingly being used at major sporting events.
Fans are urged to verify any QR code against official transport applications or websites before scanning.
Accommodation scams remain another major concern, particularly for international travellers. Fake rental listings and requests for off platform payments through bank transfers or cryptocurrency have become common tactics used by criminals.
The cybersecurity firm also warned against using unsecured public Wi Fi networks at airports, fan parks and transport hubs, where attackers often attempt to steal account credentials or install malware on mobile devices.
Using a virtual private network or mobile data, keeping devices updated and removing saved public Wi Fi networks after use can significantly reduce these risks.
Supporters watching from home are equally vulnerable. Fake streaming platforms and counterfeit FIFA related mobile applications are expected to proliferate as the tournament progresses.
Some malicious apps are specifically designed to harvest banking details, passwords and other sensitive information while appearing to offer free access to matches.
Fans are advised to verify all FIFA branded applications against the organisation's official list before downloading.
Social media has also become a popular hunting ground for scammers, with fake competitions and fraudulent prize giveaways often used to gain access to user accounts.
Lee cautioned football supporters to be sceptical of any unsolicited messages claiming they have won tickets, merchandise or exclusive experiences, especially if personal details or login credentials are requested.
"The World Cup should be an extraordinary experience, whether you are in the stadium or on your sofa," Lee said.
"A little digital caution goes a long way towards making sure it stays that way."
As global sporting events become increasingly digital, cybersecurity experts say basic precautions such as verifying websites, using secure payment methods and protecting personal information can help ensure fans remember the tournament for the football rather than the fraud.
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