World Cup 2026

We want everyone to enjoy the FIFA World Cup - the tournament for men’s national teams which takes place in the USA, Canada and Mexico and starts on 11 June.

We know that major sporting events like this can often result in increased risks due to crowds, late night activity, and increased alcohol consumption.

We want everyone to have a safe and healthy experience during the World Cup and have put together the advice below to help.

If you’re out and about and see or experience something which makes you feel uncomfortable, or a situation just doesn’t feel right we would encourage you to report your concerns if it’s safe to do so.

Crimes can be reported to Sussex Police online or by calling 101.

Please remember if someone is at immediate risk you should always call 999.

However, for less urgent situations, our advice is to:

NOTICE IT. REPORT IT. GET SUPPORT.

You can report your concerns to us by visiting our report problems in your area webpage.

Here you can report concerns about incidents of hate crime or any situation which may cause unrest or raise fear or anxiety in the community.

Evidence shows that incidents of domestic abuse can increase during major sporting events, particularly where alcohol consumption is higher. As people gather to watch matches at home or in venues, pressures can build, and for some individuals this can escalate into harmful behaviour.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background or relationship type. It includes physical violence, but also emotional, psychological, sexual, financial abuse and coercive or controlling behaviour.

If something doesn’t feel right in your relationship, it’s important to trust your instincts. Abuse can escalate gradually, and you do not have to wait for things to become “serious” before seeking help.

Visit our domestic & sexual violence and abuse webpages for information about support available if you, or someone you know, is experiencing violence or abuse.

If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.

During this year’s World Cup, the county council’s WORTH Services team is also supporting Sussex Police with visits to people identified as being at the highest risk of domestic abuse. 

Operation Hope involves proactive visits to people to make sure they are safe and to offer safeguarding advice or support. The county council helps with signposting people towards support services outside of the police and can help people who may feel less comfortable speaking to police officers.

Big matches will hopefully mean big celebrations, but help is here to ensure you have all your lines of defence covered.

Alcohol

• Set a limit before you start and pace your drinks
• Alternate alcohol with water or soft drinks to stay hydrated
• Eat before and while you drink to reduce alcohol’s effects
• Find out if drinking might be affecting your health, take the 2-minute Drink Coach Test
• Get further support and tips

Gambling

• With more games and betting offers during the World Cup, it can be easy to spend more than you planned
• Set clear limits on time and money before you start
• Check in with yourself regularly - is your betting still in control?
• Find further support and tips

Sexual health

• Get free condoms, testing and information on services in West Sussex via SAFE: Sex Aware, Feel Empowered

• Never get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs - plan ahead by arranging a taxi or choosing a designated driver
• Even the ‘morning after’, alcohol can still impair driving, so it’s important to check before setting off
• Fatigue and distraction significantly increase the risk of serious collisions  - don’t drive tired and avoid the temptation to check scores on your phone while driving
• Motorists can expect increased police enforcement throughout the tournament to help keep people safe

The county council is offering licensed premises training to help them recognise early signs of harassment, sexual violence (including drink spiking), domestic abuse, and hate‑motivated incidents in pubs and bars.

The training is designed to support staff in venues to safely manage escalating or concerning behaviours and show them how to intervene in a safe and proportionate way. Staff will also be given advice on how to support someone experiencing harm and when and how to escalate concerns.

The work aims to help businesses create safer environments during the tournament and reduce the risk of violence, abuse, and anti‑social behaviour linked to late‑night activity.

• Report a hate crime
• WORTH services
• Safe: Space Sussex
• What to do first if someone has spiked you | Sussex Police 
• Ask for Angela - Official UK Site
• Domestic abuse | East Sussex County Council 
• Safe in East Sussex | Safe in East Sussex
• Reduce waste by recycling as much as you can. You can find a full list of what can and can't be recycled at home, including information on food waste collection on our website