England’s unconvincing performance against DR Congo, which saw them trailing for nearly 70 minutes, had millions of fans holding their breath. An exit as early as the round of 32, against a team that they were favourites to beat, is not something that anyone predicted. Many English supporters and businesses planned their entire summers around the tournament. Luckily for them, two moments of brilliance from Harry Kane saw them narrowly defeat DR Congo and advance to the next round. 

However, another group of people was also holding its breath– this time not in anticipation of a result on the pitch, but in concern for what an early exit could mean beyond it. Many women who are victims of domestic abuse were afraid of the violent behaviour that could have occurred once the final whistle blew. For some women, support for England is not simply an expression of national pride; it is a plea for survival. This should not be the case. Their partners’ harmful behaviour should not tarnish women’s experience of joyful occasions. 

When it comes to football and sports in general, conversations surrounding gender are debated and tend to focus on issues within the game itself, such as representation, pay equity and participation. Wider gender related issues beyond the pitch are pushed to the margins. One of the most overlooked issues is the rise of domestic abuse during major tournaments such as the World Cup, where moments of collective celebration and disappointment can have severe consequences at home.

UK government statistics estimate that 3.8 million people over 16 were victims of domestic abuse in England and Wales in the year to March 2025 – approximately 2.2m women and 1.5m men. Domestic abuse is, unfortunately, a year-round problem, but major international men’s football tournaments can represent a time of increased danger. 

Research from Lancaster University found domestic abuse incidents increase when England play, by 26% when they win or draw and by 38% if they lose. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) also released data showing that more than 300 domestic abuse offences were reported to police during the Euro 2024 tournament, where victims believed the perpetrator’s behaviour was linked to football.

Prosecutors in England and Wales have urged victims to come forward, saying those responsible “will be held accountable” as they expect incidents of domestic abuse to increase during the men’s World Cup. “We often see more domestic abuse cases around major football tournaments like these,” the CPS national stalking lead, Olivia Rose, said. “The point that we want to get across is that those responsible will be held accountable, and that we won’t hesitate to bring them to justice.”

Whilst the correlation between men’s football tournaments and increased cases of domestic abuse cannot be denied, it is important not to misplace responsibility. Football itself is not the cause of domestic abuse. The actions of abusers are rooted in individual choices and behaviours, not match results, and accountability must remain firmly with those who perpetrate harm. Football does not directly cause abuse. It can amplify risk factors such as alcohol misuse, gambling losses and heightened emotions, increasing the likelihood of violence in relationships where abuse already exists. The CPS national stalking lead, Olivia Rose, also said: “We know that football doesn’t cause domestic abuse, but alcohol and heightened emotions can make it worse”.

In June, the Reform MP Sarah Pochin faced criticism when she posted on X: “For the sake of women’s safety, we need England to keep winning.” Suggesting that England’s performance has any bearing on the legitimacy of abuse implies, even indirectly, that perpetrators could be excused depending on the outcome. Regardless of the result, this harmful behaviour should not occur. There should never be an excuse for domestic violence, and people must recognise this. Reinforcing the narrative that football causes domestic abuse is dangerous.

Ultimately, it is abusers who cause abuse, not football, and this distinction remains significant beyond major tournaments. More broadly, sustained action is needed to address domestic violence at all times, not just during periods of heightened public attention. Football bodies and authorities must also do more to recognise their responsibility off the pitch, strengthening collaboration with police and domestic abuse services during major tournaments and ensuring clear messaging that such behaviour is never acceptable.