Police 'disappointed' by England fans as World Cup arrests record broken

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FT Desk

Football’s chief police officer has praised the conduct of England fans in North America for the 2026 World Cup but has urged those watching domestically to improve their behaviour after a raft of further arrests.

England supporters headed to the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer with their reputation as supposed hooligans preceding them after incidents at previous international tournaments, but there has been no high-profile reports of violence against police or other sets of supporters over the last month in North America.

The Three Lions have progressed through the tournament to reach the semi-final stage where they will face Argentina, having defeated Norway in extra-time on Saturday.

“The atmosphere during the game was passionate but friendly, with no animosity between fans at the end of the match,” Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police said of the Norway fixture.

Unfortunately, domestic incidents of unruly behaviour have shot up compared to previous tournaments and Roberts has revealed details on the record number of arrests that have taken place.

“It’s a real shame that the same cannot be said about the behaviour of fans back home here in the UK," he continued.

“Over Saturday evening, into the early hours of Sunday morning we had over 500 incidents reported, with more than 100 arrests across the country.

“The vast majority of these incidents have been alcohol-related and along with the extended licensing hours, we have seen an increase in calls to premises with big screens that are attracting large numbers of fans.

“This behaviour really is disappointing. Domestically this tournament is the worst one we have seen for number of incidents and arrests. If we can have 40,000 fans together in Miami with no trouble, then why can’t fans follow their exemplary behaviour and do the same back home?

Roberts has pleaded with those England fans watching at home to follow the example set by the supporters in North America when England face Argentina in the semi-final this midweek.

“England are in the semi-finals of the World Cup, the sun is shining and this should be a time for celebration and getting behind the team, not getting involved in fights and causing trouble for UK Policing which is already facing significant demand," the Chief said.

“So ahead of Wednesday’s game I would urge fans back home to follow those leading by example in the US – enjoy the game and atmosphere, go out and have fun but do so without causing problems for yourselves and others.”

The semi-final takes place in Atlanta and, so far at the World Cup, fans have not been segregated. That could present an issue for this fixture due to the historical on-pitch and off-pitch history between England and Argentina.

A statement from the Atlanta Police Department read: “As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming FIFA World Cup semi-final match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture.

“Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

“These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event.”

England will face Lionel Messi and Argentina for a place in the World Cup final on Sunday, with Spain facing France in the other semi on Tuesday.