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United Nations concerned: Possible increase in illegal betting during the 2026 World Cup

Tuesday 02 de September 2025 / 12:00

⏱ 1 min read

(Washington, D.C.) - The United Nations warns that the World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico could lead to a surge in illegal gambling linked to organized crime, while a record number of legal bets is expected.

United Nations concerned: Possible increase in illegal betting during the 2026 World Cup

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC ) warned Tuesday of an increase in illegal betting ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The agency noted that organized crime groups are behind this practice, and the risk of jurisdictional manipulation. Therefore, it is training authorities from the three countries in the use of tools against these crimes in a seminar held in Mexico City.

“Along with economic growth and the sporting festival will also come serious risks, such as competition manipulation and illegal betting, often linked to organized crime,” said Ronan O'Laoire, head of the UNODC Programme on Safeguarding Sport from Corruption and Crime.

The UNODC predicts an increase in illegal betting markets, which could surpass legal betting in size and scope. At the same time, a sharp increase in legal betting is expected, taking as a reference the approximately $35 billion that was moved during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In Mexico, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) projects revenues of up to $3 billion from the World Cup, which will feature 13 matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

The 2026 World Cup will be played for the first time in three countries, between June 11 and July 19, with 48 participating teams, marking a historic event for global football.

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País: United States

Región: North America