Cybercriminals are using the excitement around the 2026 FIFA World Cup to create fake FIFA websites and online stores.
If you’re a fan of soccer, you’re probably excited for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup! You might want to buy tickets or merchandise, so you search online for the official FIFA website. Eventually, you find a website that seems to be what you’re looking for. It contains what appear to be official FIFA images and logos, and even has an online store. The odd thing is that the store only accepts payment using payment apps or cryptocurrency.
But cybercriminals can use major events like the World Cup to trick you, and the webpage you found is actually fake! If you try to buy anything from this “store,” you’ll be instructed to log in to your FIFA account first. Cybercriminals will steal your login information, and then you’ll be directed to a payment page. Any payments you make will be sent directly to the cybercriminals, and you’ll never receive what you purchased. Even worse, they can use your stolen login information to access your real FIFA account and resell any legitimate World Cup tickets you’ve already bought!
Tips to Stay Safe
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this scam:
- Don’t assume that a website is official just because it looks legitimate. Cybercriminals can create convincing fake webpages that look very similar to the real thing.
- Be suspicious of any “official” website that only accepts payments from cryptocurrency or payment apps. Most official online shops will offer standard purchasing options.
- Trust your instincts. If you see anything that looks unusual about a webpage, such as a suspicious URL or unusual payment options, close out of the page immediately.
Stop. Look. Think. And don’t be fooled.
Tips of the Week Brought to You By Our Partners at KnowBe4
KnowBe4 is the world’s most popular integrated platform for awareness training combined with simulated phishing attacks. Let Keller Schroeder show you how KnowBe4 has helped thousands of organizations just like yours manage the continuing problem of social engineering. Contact us today to learn more.
