The World Cup and Domestic Abuse

When football doesn’t come home, victims fear what does

As excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026, many will gather with family and friends to enjoy one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events. For most, the tournament will be a source of entertainment and national pride. But for many victims of domestic abuse, it is a worrying time especially when a team plays badly or exits the tournament.

The Link Between Major Sporting Events and Domestic Abuse

Research conducted over several years has identified a strong link between high-profile football matches and spikes in reports of domestic abuse. However, football itself does not cause domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is a deliberate pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading or violent behaviour executed by one individual against another.

However, certain factors associated with major tournaments, such as the World Cup, can aggravate existing abusive behaviour. This includes increased alcohol consumption, heightened emotions linked to the outcome of matches and financial pressures associated with betting and gambling.

Studies undertaken during previous World Cups and European Championships have shown increases in domestic abuse reports both when England loses and sometimes when England wins. This is not due to the result itself, but the heightened emotional environment surrounding the event. This is what leads to the domestic abuse.

Legal Protection Available

Individuals experiencing domestic abuse have access to a range of legal protections which Hopkins Solicitors can help with.

Non-Molestation Orders

A Non-Molestation Order can prohibit an abusive individual from:

• Using or threatening violence
• Harassing, intimidating, or contacting the victim
• Attending the victim’s home, workplace, or other specified locations

Breaching a Non-Molestation Order is a criminal offence and may result in arrest and prosecution. If you are at imminent risk of harm, for example due to a recent violent incident, such an order can be applied with urgently without the other person initially knowing about it (until they are served with the order).

Occupation Orders

An Occupation Order can regulate who lives in the family home and, in some circumstances, require an abusive person to leave the property, or prevent them coming back if they have left. These can be applied for a Non-Molestation Order as well.

The Importance of Getting Help

Major sporting events can place additional strain on already difficult family situations when a relationship is already starting to break down, or has broken down but you remain living together. If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of a child, seeking advice at an early stage can be crucial.

Family law solicitors can advise on:

• Protective injunctions
• Emergency applications to the court
• Child arrangements
• Divorce and separation proceedings
• Access to specialist support services

Support Is Available

No one should feel that they must put up with abuse in their own home just because of a sporting event, family circumstances, or financial dependency. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, support is available through family law solicitors, specialist organisations such as domestic abuse organisations and the police. Our experienced Family Law team at Hopkins Solicitors can help you get the right support and protection you need.

As the World Cup 2026 continue, it is important to remember that football should bring communities together, not place an individual at greater risk in their own home. Raising awareness of the relationship between major sporting events and domestic abuse can help ensure that those affected know where to seek protection and support when they need it most.