The Council of Europe has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States.Secretary General Alain Berset highlighted issues such as political pressure, racist abuse of players, and the expansion of betting markets, which he argues create opportunities for fraud.

The organization called for a framework to strengthen the integrity of future World Cups, emphasizing the need for a working dialogue to address these challenges before the 2030 tournament.

Berset criticized FIFA's decision to partner with a prediction market, noting that betting has shifted from match outcomes to individual player performances, further increasing risks.

The Council of Europe, which includes non-EU members like the UK, stressed that while the tournament's final whistle will end the competition, the 'third half' of urgent reform must begin immediately.

The concerns come amid reports of political interference, including US President Donald Trump's involvement in a controversy over a suspended player, underscoring the need for stricter safeguards to protect the sport's integrity.