The Wi-Fi Trap at the 2026 World Cup: 70% of Fans Could Connect to a Fake Network

A recent ExpressVPN survey of 6,000 football fans across the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Spain, and Australia found that nearly 75% would connect to a public Wi-Fi network simply because it used the name of a stadium or sporting event. The problem is that most users admit they would struggle to distinguish a legitimate network from a fake one.

Cybercriminals can easily create fraudulent Wi-Fi networks that mimic official stadium connections, potentially leading users to phishing sites, fake login pages, or malicious streaming platforms designed to steal personal information and passwords.

The risk increases because fans often use public Wi-Fi not only to check scores, but also to access social media, email, online banking, and make purchases. Many respondents reported experiencing phishing attempts or fraudulent messages during major sporting events.

Despite being aware of the risks, fans continue to use public Wi-Fi due to convenience, especially when mobile networks become overloaded near stadiums. Younger users, particularly Generation Z, are the most likely to connect to potentially unsafe networks and share personal information to gain access.

To stay safe during major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, users should verify Wi-Fi networks with venue staff, avoid sensitive activities such as banking or online shopping on public networks, disable automatic Wi-Fi connections, and consider using a VPN for additional protection. Ultimately, a network name alone should never be trusted as proof of legitimacy.