World Cup is a risk for increased gender-based violence against women
This week, millions of football fans around the globe will welcome the start of the men’s Fifa World Cup. Stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico will fill with excited supporters, while in Ireland, despite the boys in green not quite making it it past the qualifiers, football fever will inevitably kick in here too.
Sport has an extraordinary power to bring people together. It creates shared moments of joy, pride and connection. It inspires young and old alike and gives us memories that last a lifetime.
Violence against women is a global pandemic. One in three women worldwide has experienced gender-based violence, with every single country affected. It remains one of the world’s most widespread human rights violations, often hidden behind closed doors. And ignored by society.
Research indicates increases in domestic abuse during major football tournaments. Football itself is not the cause, and most supporters celebrate responsibly and peacefully. However, large sporting events can intensify existing patterns of abusive behaviour, often fuelled by alcohol, heightened emotions, and deeply entrenched attitudes towards women.
Be Safe at home this World Cup
Marking the launch by ActionAid Ireland of an online awareness campaign ”Be Safe at home this World Cup”, asking people to pledge to raise awareness of the link between domestic violence and sporting events, CEO, Karol Balfe, said: “Football should be a source of joy, community and celebration. Unfortunately, research shows that major sporting events can coincide with increases in domestic abuse and violence against women. While football does not cause violence, these events can intensify existing patterns of abusive behaviour and are often associated with alcohol.“
Ms Balfe said as the World Cup begins, while people enjoy the tournament they should also be aware that for some women it can be a particularly difficult and dangerous time.
Research cited in Alcohol Action Ireland’s 2025 report on alcohol and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence found evidence of increases in domestic abuse incidents linked to major football matches.
Its research included analysis of almost 800 Manchester United and Manchester City matches over an eight-year period which found domestic abuse incidents rose sharply after games, particularly those involving alcohol-related abuse.
Research from Lancaster in England found reports of domestic abuse increased by 26 per cent when the national team won or drew World Cup matches, and by 38 per cent when the team lost. When England lost, incidents increased by 38 per cent.
And research in Brazil found a significant rise in domestic violence reports following football matches, particularly after unexpected defeats, with police reports increasing by 7.6 per cent immediately after games.
According to Ms Balfe violence against women remains one of the world’s most widespread human rights violations, with one in three women globally experiencing physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.
She stressed that the vast majority of football supporters celebrate peacefully and responsibly, but the evidence demonstrates the need for greater awareness and prevention efforts during major sporting occasions.
“We need to recognise that gender-based violence does not happen in isolation,” said Ms Balfe. “It is rooted in inequality and harmful attitudes towards women. Major sporting events provide an opportunity to start conversations about respect and the responsibility we all have to challenge abusive behaviour.”
Major national and international sporting occasions like the World Cup should be used to increase public awareness of domestic and gender-based violence, including guidance on warning signs and information on available support services and how people can safely seek help.
How to seek help
Said Ms Balfe: “Too often, violence against women remains hidden behind closed doors. Many survivors feel isolated and afraid to seek help. Sometimes simply checking in on someone, listening without judgement and helping them access support can make a significant difference.”
Sporting organisations have an important role to play in challenging harmful attitudes and promoting messages of respect and equality.
“Most households will enjoy the World Cup without incident,” said Ms Balfe. “But while the world focuses on what happens on the pitch, we must not lose sight of what may be happening behind closed doors. Every woman has the right to feel safe in her own home, regardless of the result on the scoreboard.”
“The World Cup will end in a few weeks. The challenge of ending violence against women and girls will remain. We need the same determination to tackle gender-based violence as we bring to the world’s biggest sporting events.”
