World Cup Fraud Attempts Surge Threefold, ACI Data Shows

Event summary

  • ACI Worldwide's analysis of 24.5 million transactions across 61 live-event merchants reveals fraud attempts surged more than threefold during past World Cups.
  • Fraudulent orders averaged $405, 1.5 times the $270 legitimate average, during the pre-tournament build-up for Copa America 2024.
  • Alternative payment methods (APMs) recorded a 0.57% attempted fraud rate, compared with 3.97% for traditional cards.
  • Cross-border card share rose from 7.53% to 11.47% in the run-up to Copa America 2024, with May 2026 already at 10.83%.
  • Over 300 pixel-perfect replica ticketing websites and 9,741 fraudulent World Cup-related domains were identified in April 2026.

The big picture

ACI Worldwide's data highlights the recurring pattern of fraud surges during major sporting events, driven by increased cross-border card activity and high-value purchases. The surge in fraud attempts underscores the need for robust fraud detection mechanisms and safer payment methods, particularly as the 2026 World Cup unfolds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The involvement of cybersecurity firms and law enforcement agencies further emphasizes the scale of the threat and the importance of proactive measures to protect fans and ticket sellers.

What we're watching

Fraud Detection
How ACI's ability to distinguish genuine fan demand from criminal behavior will impact merchant approval rates during the tournament.
Payment Methods
Whether the shift towards alternative payment methods (APMs) will continue to reduce fraud rates compared to traditional cards.
Regulatory Actions
The pace at which regulatory bodies in host nations will take action against fraudulent ticketing and merchandise scams.