**WORLD CUP 2026 **

**The football World Cup 2026 begins in North America, kicking off with Mexico against South Africa today**

The time difference means that matches will be on in the evening, meaning more pubs are expected to stay open until 2am to show the games.

This can result to many expected crime trends:

-Higher levels of alcohol-related disorder

-An increase in drink-driving offences

-Greater demand on response policing

-Potential rises in violence-related offences

GMP has been planning for these trends for several months, with targeted operations, engagement activity and partnership working expected throughout the tournament period.