The UK Football Policing Unit recorded 463 incidents, compared with 304 at the equivalent stage of Euro 2024 and 291 during the 2022 World Cup. Arrests have also increased to 88, up from 66 at Euro 2024 and 56 in 2022.
The figures cover more than violence around stadiums. 162 incidents took place in licensed premises, while 109 were classified as domestic incidents, often involving family members aged over 16. That makes the rise a broader public-order issue rather than a problem confined to match-going supporters.
The contrast with the United States is striking. Police described the behaviour of England fans as “excellent” through the group stage, with no reported violence or disorder involving them at World Cup matches.
Five England supporters have been arrested in the US, but only two arrests occurred at World Cup matches. All five have been released and referred to the UK Football Policing Unit. Scotland fans have also been praised, although their figures were not included.
That gap matters. Supporter behaviour appears to be shaped by setting, policing arrangements and social environment, rather than simply by national reputation. It also challenges the assumption that travelling fans automatically represent the biggest risk.
Before the tournament, 1,958 supporters subject to football banning orders surrendered their passports. That preventative approach will remain important as the knockout stage brings higher stakes, bigger crowds and more intense public attention.
The immediate storyline is whether the strong record of England fans in America continues, while authorities in England and Wales try to contain the domestic rise. Both trends will define the tournament’s wider policing legacy.