UNODC warns of illegal betting and match-fixing risks at 2026 World Cup
The UNODC warned of increased illegal betting and match-fixing risks around the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. It said criminal networks are often linked to illegal gambling and is training law-enforcement agencies in the three host countries to counter betting-related crime. The UNODC said the illegal market could exceed the regulated market during the tournament, though it is difficult to quantify.
Operators and regulators in the host countries face betting-integrity and illegal-market risks during the tournament.