Latest arrest figures for fans watching last summer’s World Cup are "unacceptably" high despite excluding linked crimes such as domestic abuse, football’s policing lead has said.

Home Office data shows 357 arrests occurred in England and Wales linked to fans watching England matches during the North American tournament, compared to just 19 arrests at the event itself.

Chief Constable Mark Hobrough, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for football policing, praised travelling fans for "exemplary" behaviour, but described conduct at home during the World Cup and 2025-26 domestic season as far more troubling.

He said: "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.

"2,025 people were arrested for football-related incidents during the domestic season in 2025-26, and disappointingly this number is up from 2,004 in 2024-25.

"In addition, 357 people were arrested in England and Wales for football-related incidents during the 2026 World Cup alone.

"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 and in many cases nowhere near any stadium or club with individuals who’ve not attended any game themselves.

"However, as the figures show, we are continuing to take action against those responsible, and moving forward, we will continue to work with our partners including the Crown Prosecution Service, the Premier League, the EFL and the Football Association to collectively make football a safe environment for the overwhelming majority of supporters who just want to enjoy the game."

Home Office figures for 2025-26, first released in July showing 1,963 football-related arrests or police actions, have now been revised to 2,025.

Total arrests across the 2025-26 season—including domestic games, the World Cup, and European fixtures abroad—reached 2,403, falling from 2,584 in 2023-24, the previous men’s tournament season.

Tournament-related arrests within England and Wales increased compared to 2023-24, a change the Home Office attributed to better recording and awareness among police forces.