UN Warns Illegal Betting at 2026 World Cup Could Outpace Regulated Market

^{Pictured: Ronan O’Laoire, Head of UNODC’s Programme on Safeguarding Sport from Corruption and Crime}

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned of a significant surge in illegal betting ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Estadão reported.

Speaking at a seminar in Mexico City, UNODC officials said that illegal wagers during the tournament could surpass the regulated betting market in volume.

Such a scenario raises concerns over the integrity of the competition, with experts warning that organized crime groups may use unlicensed operators to manipulate match outcomes.

“During the World Cup, we will face serious risks such as match-fixing attempts and illegal betting linked to organized crime,” said Ronan O’Laoire, head of UNODC’s Programme on Safeguarding Sport from Corruption and Crime, in his opening remarks at the seminar.

UNODC also noted that the World Cup is expected to fuel growth in the legal betting sector, which could exceed the $35 billion wagered during the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 across three host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Gambling Park notes, that FIFA reported no cases of match-fixing during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.