357 England fans arrested at home as World Cup disorder figures reveal stark contrast with travelling supporters

Home Office figures released following the 2026 FIFA World Cup show that 357 people were arrested in England and Wales for football-related disorder during the tournament — compared with just 19 arrests of England supporters who had travelled to the host nations.

Of the travelling fans, 16 were arrested in the United States, three in Mexico and none in Canada. A further 15 arrests in England and Wales were recorded in connection with World Cup matches that did not involve the England national team.

Tension spilled over outside the Atlanta Stadium following England’s 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, where supporters clashed with opposing fans and armed police made multiple arrests. Back in the UK, further arrests were made as fans gathered at licensed venues to watch the late-night fixtures under relaxed licensing laws.

Chief Constable Mark Hobrough, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for football policing, praised travelling supporters for their “exemplary” conduct but described the domestic arrest figures as “unacceptably” high — and noted that the true scale of disorder is likely larger, since the data excludes associated offences such as domestic abuse.

“Sadly, these figures do not paint a full picture as they do not include many of the associated offences, such as domestic abuse, which often occur behind closed doors after the full-time whistle has blown,” Hobrough said.

The domestic picture is also worsening. Hobrough confirmed that 2,025 people were arrested for football-related incidents during the 2025-26 domestic season, up from 2,004 the previous year. The Home Office had already published partial 2025-26 season data in July, recording 1,963 such arrests at that point.

“Though the vast majority of supporters attending domestic fixtures in the UK are law-abiding and enjoy supporting their teams at great games, there still remain an unacceptable number who spoil the event for others,” Hobrough added.

Hobrough said police would continue working with the Crown Prosecution Service, the Premier League, the EFL and the Football Association to make football a safer environment for the majority of supporters.